Clarity

I go into this post trying to find clarity in all of this. I have had a lot of eye openers lately that have made me think of how short and precious life is but all have been distant signals. A girl from my area that I didn't know died. Robin Williams committed suicide. I read the book If I Stay. But this signal is direct and real.

The county I'm from is small and the one beside it, Madison County, is even smaller. My dad was born there so I've spent a great deal of time there since birth. This morning Madison County lost a young life to a four-wheeler accident, an 18-year-old girl approaching college. Recently graduated, I did not personally know her but I watched her play softball and volleyball many times and she is a close friend with many people I know. Her parents are friends with my parents.

I learned the news that she wasn't doing well on my way home from the beach. The conversation turned from quiet to silent when we got the call that she had passed.

It's common to say "I can't imagine that happening" but that's exactly what I feel. I can't imagine losing a child at all, especially so young. She had a bright future ahead that was cut short and we ask why, not expecting a clear answer. This young girl meant so much to so many which pains us even more.

Like I said in the beginning of this post, I hope we find clarity in this situation. I know it will not come immediately or soon but I hope one day her parents and close friends will be given an answer. This situation has hurt me and I did not personally know her. My heart aches for her family. I can't imagine feeling that pain. As I tweeted earlier today, God works in mysterious ways and this one is one we might never understand.

My mom told me that she read a story one time about a 10-year-old boy that died. When the news interviewed his parents, they said that God had loaned them the little boy for 10 years and they were thankful for that. The boy belonged to God and it was time for him to go back to heaven to be with God. It's hard to think that way though. It's hard in the midst of a tragedy to thinking that God has a plan and he's in control. If I were a parent in this kind of situation, I would not be strong enough to think in such a positive manner. I would be angry, hurt, and broken. How are we supposed to feel during such an awful, unfair thing?

But time is short. That's how the saying goes, right? We say it and then go back to ignoring the fact that it is true, but it is. You have few precious moments on this Earth and you never know what is coming. Kiss your parents and your kids if you have them. Call up your friends that you haven't talked to in a while just to remind them that you're here and you love them. Most of all love all that you have and appreciate it while you can. Be blessed for all you have.

Prayers and love to the Aylor family and Kaitlin, I hope you rest peacefully.

Love ya mean it,
Bailey
xoxo