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| APPRECIATE LIFE (Tragedy can teach this, but why wait?) |
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Less than 2 weeks ago, God allowed my sister-in-law to witness inexplicable tragedy. She was less than 10 feet away when it happened. We received this email from her today, and it moved me to the core. God has reminded her, and I pray the rest of us as well, how fleeting and precious LIFE is.
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Subject: I've known some great people....
I really have... The numbers are endless. People have come in and out of my life that I will never forget. Great pastors, good friends, fabulous neighbors. But the ones that impact me the most....are children. Precious children that are honest, innocent, un-judging and perfect.
My life changed exactly one week and one day ago because of the life of one child. Gavin Marshall was his name. He was the son of one of our many Military friends. Gavin was full of life, as most children are. At 21 months old he was already well-cultured from experiencing different parts of the world due to being what's known as an Army BRAT. His sweet, wide smile lit up the room. Due to his sweet nature, your eyes would be drawn to him.
Gavin's life was tragically taken May 7, 2008 at approximately 8:15pm. He had kneeled down in front of a large truck's tire. What followed, no words can describe.
As a child, I witnessed at the age of 9, my brother hit by a car on his bicycle. Due to the severity of the situation and I being a young child, I was held back from the scene of the paramedics. I believe that last Wednesday night the Lord allowed me to be at the scene of Gavin's accident. I was given the freedom to kneel at Gavin's feet and talk to him, caress his legs and pray over him. It was by far the most horrific experience I have ever had. But in many ways, I know that God wanted me there by his side.
When the paramedics arrived, I quietly left Gavin to give them the space they needed. I then was blessed with the opportunity to kneel with Gavin's Aunt and Uncle that were visiting. We joined hands and prayed together. Were they Believers in Christ? I don't know....but at that moment there were no barrs held. When the paramedics were ready to take Gavin in the ambulance to the medivac, I then had the opportunity to embrace Seana, Gavin's mom and pray with her quickly.
Gavin's spirit was taken to heaven in transit to the helicopter.
My life was forever changed when my husband walked into our home with my best friend, Renee. I was quickly putting our older children to bed so we could go to the hospital. Brian and Renee just looked at me and shook their heads. I immediately fell to the ground and wept. I was devastated. The precious life that I was praying over was gone. I just didn't know what to do. My spirit was crushed, my body was fully distraught.
A few moments later, my thoughts made a quick change. My amazing husband wrapped his arms around me and said, "Sarah, Gavin is up in heaven giggling and playing with Jesus." Even though I continued to weep, I knew that what Brian said was true. I could almost see him up there.
The hours that followed were extremely difficult. We went on to the hospital to be with Gavin's parents. Gavin's Mommy is expecting her 2nd son, Gage, in about 3 weeks. She needed to be cared for also even though she was declining it. I was able to convince her with the assurance of no needles (her fear) to be checked out. She and her unborn child are perfectly healthy, thank the Lord.
Needless to say, the following days were equally emotional. Each day is getting a bit better. Gavin has put his perfect imprint on my heart and soul. I am forever a changed woman. My outlook on life has a much deeper meaning, even though I already thought it did.
Please enjoy your family to the fullest. Protect their lives with all that is in you. But even more importantly, don't take those around you for granted. You just never know when it will be the last time you see them.
Love you all very much,
Sarah T-
P.S. Attached is a photo of Gavin and our daughter Ella Mae playing together just 2 weeks ago. They were only 2 weeks apart in age.
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| Aww, such a sad story it had me in tears and you should really appericate the time you have with your loved ones for you never know what will happen from here. |
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| Enjoy your family and friends to the fullest..... Gods gift to his children, family and friends... This has really touched me today. Even though we are going through some rough times our most precious commodity is each other. Treasure, value and love one another and someday we will be in heaven with Gavin laughing and giggling with Jesus... |
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| All I can say is "WHAT AN EYE OPENER" |
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Glenn |
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May 17, 2008 at 10:58am |
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Wow! thanks Mike for sharing this reminder with us. God teach us to always be ready, and truly cherish those you place in our lives. peace |
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Oh, my!  GoD'S, PeAcE aNd LoVe |
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| I hope this terrible incident opens all our eyes to the fragility of life. We never know when us, or a loved one will cease to be. This knowledge should also keep us more aware of the need to be ever ready to meet our Lord. Thanks for sharing. |
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| As I cry, I want to thank you for sharing this sad but eye opening email. |
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| Wow.. praying God's peace for your sister-in-law and Gavin's family.. thanks for sharing. |
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Sue |
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May 17, 2008 at 11:31am |
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| How tragic. May the Lord be with his family and friends. |
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| The tears are spilling down my face--and there aren't any words that can speak as graciously to the sometimes deeper lessons we pull from the ashes of unexpected tragedies than those Sara has shared. I can only lend my compassion to all of those hurting from this and other tragic circumstances by pausing to pray for them today. Thanks for sharing this. |
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Amy |
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May 17, 2008 at 12:54pm |
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| Thanks for sharing this Mike. My neighbor many years ago backed over his 18 month old son while backing up his dumptruck. It is hard to even try to grasp the pain parents must feel and this story is such a reminder of how precious life is. I will keep Gavins family, and your sister in law and all those who were touched by this little boy in my prayers. God did put her there, she is much stronger than she ever thought she would or could be. Thanks again. I am going to log off this computer right now and go hug my two little boys. Have a blessed day. This reminds me of the song "Held" by Natalie Grant. She says those times when tragedy strikes the littlest ones, then this is what it means to be held by our Heavnly Father, when we feel as tho we cant even stand up under the pain of sadness and grief, He is there to lift us up. Have a blessed day. |
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"Gavin has put his perfect imprint on my heart and soul. I am forever a changed woman."
And I am also.....thanks for sharing this Mike. |
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Sad but truly something to be aware of thanks for sharing
Yes we most not take anything or anyone of our friend or family for granted, because tomorrow is not promise to nobody. every chance you get let them know you love them give them lot of attention (QUILTY TIME) |
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| she will be forever changed. Praying for her and the family. |
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| Hugs to all of you, may God's peace surround you all. |
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| I will be keeping this situation in prayer. As a matter of fact, I am praying for the family now. |
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Thanks for the comments, all! You bless my heart, friends!
Kim....that's truly unfathomable. I cannot imagine being in Gary's wife's shoes....I just can't. w/o Jesus I don't know what I would do.
As a parent, how do you deal with the loss of a child?????? I wonder if God, the ultimate Parent, ever endures similar pain? |
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Mike I believe that the worst day for our Father has yet to come. Can you imagine having to turn your own child away? On Judgement Day, He will have to reject them. As much as He does for us, for them, all they had to do was believe. This pain I think He knows is coming and I think it grieves Him greatly. I too am praying for the family. I am on the other side where young children have lost their mother. I hate death and what it is here. But I rejoice in knowing that He is waiting for us. I long to go home. Thanks for sharing this. It is touching. |
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| I will pray for Gavin's family and friends, and I will pray for the driver of the truck. I can't imagine what s/he is going through. |
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Rosie |
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May 18, 2008 at 1:05pm |
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| Gulp.....There are no words...We too had a friend who's child was struck by a car and killed and it was just like loosing one of your own....Larry took it very very hard.....(this was 30 yrs ago and he still can't talk about it) |
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| wow wow wow.... i am at a loss for words... bless your sister in law and grace and peace to this family. God is great even in tragedy. |
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Thanks so much, precious friends. Your hearts are showing!
My sister-in-law and family visited us today. Her husband gave me some more details of the incident.....all I can say is God is indeed ever-present, even in the worst imaginable tragedies. He was clearly working in the lives of those affected. It is with tears that I thank him for not neglecting those enduring the pain of these events. |
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Mike,
it seems to be a day for tears.......... |
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I had no words yesterday and none today..only I was up till 3:00am this morning
and couldn't get what I read here out of my mind..so I cried to Father God! |
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Job 6:10 This would be my comfort; I would even exult in pain unsparing, for I have not denied the words of the Holy One. Psa 23:4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. I praise God for the courage given to your sister in law who stands with Gavin's family in times of distress. May the Lord comfort them all in the time of bereavement. |
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God continues to work.... The miracle in this? Gavin's parents had dinner with the woman who drove her truck over their son... They forgave her, and tried to help her forgive herself.... |
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Oh Mike,
You've just increased my tears........ |
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Joey |
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May 18, 2008 at 10:21pm |
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Mike,
I couldn't type anything yesterday. Praise God for the forgiveness in Gavin's parent's heart's! I pray that the woman can get through this too. All of this breaks my heart. I am so sorry.. |
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| How very sad... who could read this and not feel as if they also knew this little angel. SO tragic, yet I do see how the Lord will use this unfortunate incident to touch all the lives of those involved as well as those who read your blog Mike. Many will pray for Gavin and his family, and there might even be some who will learn of our fathers unending love for us through it. Peace and Love to your family and all who loved Gavin. - Tammy |
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Eliza |
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May 19, 2008 at 6:53am |
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| I am trying to fight back tears from my eyes! I as one do not appreciate every moment with my family! But I vow as of today, no moment will go by that they are not loved! It is sad how it takes something tragic to happen to open my eyes! I am sorry for their loss, but please let them know that their son, who I do not know has changed my life! Playing in God's Garden Gavin! |
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Sarah |
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May 19, 2008 at 7:36am |
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Hi everyone, I am Sarah, Mike's sister-in-law that typed this letter. I just wanted to take the time quickly to thank Mike for posting this in his blog. Thank you Mike, it means a lot to me and when I talk to Seana, I am going to let her know the affects her son has had on other people's lives besides my own. Also, I want to thank everyone for their comments. This has been an unusual blessing in disguise. The driver of the truck is doing okay. I talk with her daily. Something wonderful that she's doing is making a proposal to Fort Belvoir as a military installation.....she wants to create a large fenced-in area that is safe for the younger children of the neighborhood to play. We have very small fenced-in backyards and it's just not all that enjoyable for a group of kids to play in for long. The Colonel here has seen it already and we have his support. The name of the areas will be called Gavin's Place in remembrance of his life. Again, thank you for your comments.
Hold your babies a few extra minutes today! Peace and love in Christ to each of you.
~Sarah |
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Ed |
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May 19, 2008 at 10:16am |
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| Sad story, indeed. Now that I have two grandchildren, I find myself worrying about their welfare. I've become more aware of the value of life. There's nothing on earth more important than family. How do we cope with the loss of a child? We don't. Just just go on and hope the pain lessens in time. Think what that pain would be without Jesus in your life. |
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My mother and I have been at odds since I was rejoined to her at 5 years old. Immediately there was anger and hurt between us that continued through the decades of our lives. The day I left home at 18 was a tragedy in itself, the way I spoke to her.
Since then she's been diagnosed with cancer 3 times, diabetes, had to have her left leg amputated and is now on kidney dialysis. Obviously she doesn't have much time left. It's been 20 years since I've seen my family. I've been wrestling with how to try to come to terms with our lives.
In December a very good friend discovered the delicate state of my mother, being fully aware of our many issues. He paid to send my wife and I to spend Christmas with our families (we're both from small towns in Oklahoma), so we both got to meet each other's families and spend Christmas with them.
On Christmas eve, we drove 250 miles from the hotel to my little brothers house to spend Christmas with all my family in one place. It was the first time in 25 years we were all together. My mother had changed so much I could no longer recognize her. I only knew who it was because of the wheelchair.
When it came time to head back to the hotel, I was asked to take her home. It was going to be about 200 miles out of my way, but I knew my brother was really asking me to try to bury the hatchet between us. I know it won't be long before my mom passes on, so I wanted to try to be friendly to her at the least.
My anger kept wanting to speak up, but my heart just wouldn't let me. So we drove her 300 miles to her house and we just made small talk all the way while we caught up on all the small town chatter.
In the end, I mentioned none of the hardship I have endured or sacrifices made because of her. I simply gave her a full day of happy memories of all us kids at home on Christmas.
To this day, I still have a hard time with Mom. But I continue to stay in touch, send cards, etc. and try to be a good son to her. It's just very difficult still. |
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Deb |
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May 23, 2008 at 8:31am |
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| Wow, what a story, what an experience. Having just endured the near death of my great niece at her birth, I can totally relate to this. We never know when we are going to be called home, or when someone we love will be. We are not promised tomorrow. We should live today...and appreciate everyone and everything around us. |
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This is heart crushing ! God bless her for having the courage to share - to pray with reckless abandon when needed and for knowing where Gavin is beats this place by a trillion miles...
Blessings on that poor family who isnt anywhere near closure. |
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| Mike....it has taken me all this time to be able to post a comment and I still don't really have any words. I can't even begin to imagine their loss. It has to be one of the wost pains that a parent could ever have to face in this life. It makes that part about God So loving the World that HE GAVE His ONLY Son so that I could LIVE that much more precious to me. My prayers are with Gavin's family and for Sarah. |
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| Fighting back tears and that gnawing feeling in my stomach.....it's especially hard to hear when you have your own children. But that boy is with Jesus. I feel bad for the family, but perhaps, if they are not believers, this will lead them to the cross. |
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| Am praying for the family and for the woman who was driving.Life is a vapor. |
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My heart & prayers go out to your sister in law & Gavin's family, also the person who was driving the truck......how tragic indeed!
Thanks Mike for sharing this
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| Thank you Donna. I will ignore Jeremiah 17:9 and say that you have a heart of gold, sister! |
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