Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Sweet Gabby

A few days ago, one of our readers sent me a message about a family in Tennessee. She suggested I maybe get in contact with them. They had adopted two children from Guatemala. Two days ago, there had been a horrible accident. There were some similar lines between us, and them. The grandparents were driving with the two children when the accident occurred.

I didn't know many details, but what I did know is their sweet Gabby suffered a severe traumatic brain injury. She was unresponsive, and on a ventilator. I also heard her brain was continuing to swell. In just one short second, I was brought all the way back to June 17, 2009. I felt so much sadness for this family. They were experiencing something no family should ever have to experience.

My first thought, was of my friend Trina. She discovered my blog early on, and reached out in a way only a mother of a brain injured child could. I was lost, and lonely, in the vast world of severe trauma to the head. I was doing my best to make my way, but she quickly became my compass. She showed me which way to go, and what to expect, every step of the way. I appreciate her for everything she has, and continues to do for us.

In the exact moment I received my friend's message, I wanted to be for this mother, what Trina was to me. What I wanted most, was for her to not feel alone. I knew the shock, and sadness, and terror would already be, but what I didn't want, was for her to feel isolated on this difficult journey.

I sent this mother a message. I kept it short, because I knew the kind of hell she was in. I just wanted her to briefly know what had happened to us, and that I was here for her. I would help her in any way possible, and know matter what.

Gabby passed away yesterday afternoon. She was just 8 years old. I can't even begin to imagine what this family is going through. I know from experience, early facts are not always accurate, but from what I understand, not only did Gabby pass, but their youngest, just 5 years old, is in surgery. The grandmother has a broken wrist, clavicle, and arm. From what I read, the grandfather, who was driving, was uninjured. My whole heart goes out to the Lewis Family.

I have so many prayers for this family. Prayers for their hearts. Prayers for their son, and his grandmother, to be okay. Prayers for the grandfather, who sadly, will forever carry the weight of this accident. Prayers for everyone to rally around this family, and show only love and support. Prayers that the ones who bring only hate, and judgement, stay the hell away, as that is the last thing they need right now. Prayers for the family to be good, and forgiving of each other.

A tragedy of this magnitude can destroy an entire family, and leave total wreckage in its wake. It is hard work for each person to bring with them, a kind heart. It is a daily challenge for each individual to do their very best to carry on. Grief, and loss are moving targets. Everybody experiences it, and acts differently. For this reason, it makes it hard to always see eye to eye. When it comes to a trauma of this sort, respect, and kindness take on a whole new meaning. These things serve though, as the only qualities that make it remotely possible to live out the remainder of our lives.

Please join me in keeping The Lewis Family close in thought and prayer.

10 comments:

  1. This story breaks my heart. My first thought was that you could be their Trina. I hope they find some peace I can not imagine. Someone is collecting money for their family. I'll Send you a link to the blog as soon as I'm at my computer. Hugs my friend. Sarah

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  2. I heard about this on facebook. My heart hurts for this family. I feel connected to them as I do to you just because we have children (daughters specifically) adopted from Guatemala. It is amazing how things like that can foster a sense of community.
    I am sending loving thoughts their way and hope and pray that their family and friends are nothing but supportive.

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  3. thats just so awful beyond imagination, too loose a child is so unimaginable, I know you have lost yours in a completely different way. The grandparents, I cannot even imagine, I am hoping at least the accident wasn't their fault so at lest they might have that. How you can live thru something like that I don't know.

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  4. So many facets of their story are just heartbreaking. The first thing I thought was that you are in the right place to pass it on, all the love, knowledge, empathy that you possess can help another family.

    Dixie

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  5. How completely sad. I will pray for the Lewis family. I am sure that you helped that mom tremendously Jen. Just by letting her know that you are there.
    I can't even imagine.

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  6. Praying for this family today...

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  7. God bless that family. I can't imagine the pain that they must be in. I will keep them in my thoughts and pray for them.

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  8. my thoughts and prayers go out to this family. may they find comfort in this time of deep sorrow.....and heal their lives to carry on.

    <3

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  9. I was so sad to hear about Gabby. I thought of you when I first heard of their accident. It was devastating to hear of her passing. I'm glad that you reached out to them as I'm sure they were touched by you.

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