I have just heard some very sad, terrible news

[polmaven]

and now I need to do something I really am going to have to struggle to do.

Just over an hour ago, my pastor called to tell me that a friend's 38 year old daughter, who is, or used to be, also a friend, was struck by a car this morning and killed as she walked along a road in Virginia. I have known her and her mother for nearly 30 years, and only have lost touch because she got married and moved to VA from MA.

She has two children, an 11 year old boy, and a daughter who will have her 8th birthday on Monday.

This, of course, comes just 10 months after my neice's 38 year old fiance was killed in a motorcycle accident last July. My neice and "Merri" were friends when they attended Sunday School together as kids. I just don't know what to say...how to tell her.

This is just so sad.

[Dookus]

1. So sorry...

that is awful news. My heart breaks for her children.

[freetobegay]

2. Your presence alone will say allot!

eom

[Missy Vixen]

3. I'm so sorry to hear this

Just a question: Did the pastor want you to handle the notification? If so, perhaps the pastor would be willing to go along with you.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend's daughter, and the two children who so needed their mom.

My thoughts are with you during what must be an awful time.

Julie

[polmaven]

15. Thank you for your thoughts.

The anwer about the pastor is no, she called me because I am the lay leader of the church, and she wanted me to know. She has been our pastor for not quite 3 years, and really didn't even know that my neice and Merrie were friends at one time. She did, of course, also need me to help her make phone calls to other church members.

The hardest part is being here in Massachusetts and Merrie and her family are in Virginia. All of her friends here are feeling a little helpless.

I am a little relieved right now though, because my sister, (my neice's mom) feels like she will be able to tell her daughter. I offered to do it, but sis said she will do it.

Oh, God....It feels like it has been one thing after another. First Johnny died, then, in April, Johnny's dog went to be with him, and now Merrie. Even though my neice hasn't been close to Merrie for a long time, I think this is going to be very hard on her.

Thanks, everyone, for listening. This is a great place to come to just let it out and cry. I'm so glad you all are here.

[aljones]

4. Prayers for you and your loved ones!!!

ally

[lancdem]

5. What a tragedy

I feel terrible for her children and everyone else affected by her death. My prayers are with them.

[Bluzmann57]

6. Oh dear

very sad news. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and you. Man life can be cruel sometimes. This has to be rough on the children. Prayers out to them, especially.

[UrbScotty]

7. What?! How terrible.

A Catholic Prayer for the deceased:

Rest and Peace Grant Unto Her, O Lord, and May Eternal Light Shine Upon Her.

[Taverner]

8. so sorry

my thoughts are with you

[flamingyouth]

9. What terrible and shocking news

I'm so sorry for you and for her family and friends.:hug:

[trof]

10. Food.

If you're from Virginia, you know it's a southern tradition.
My mom used to take some food to the house and say "These are my flowers".

I do the same now.

No one in the family wants to think about eating now, but they must eat.
If I learn shortly after the death, I take a deli platter. Something they can make sandwiches with and some bread, mayo, mustard,chips, drinks, paper plates, napkins, EVERYTHING they'll need to put a quick meal together.

If it's later, Miz t. makes a big pot of gumbo, or some other one-dish meal.

So sorry.

[Mattforclark]

11. I'm so very sorry...

My thoughts travel through cyberspace.

:cry:

:(

[Pithlet]

12. So sad.

Her poor kids.

[rockymountaindem]

13. You have my sympathy.

[roguevalley]

14. this is so terrible

be with them, hug them and when it all dies down and they are by
themselves again, go then to see them. Its hard when the support
goes back to their lives and you are stuck alone in your sorrow.
Hugs, honey, to all involved.

[NightTrain]

16. God almighty, are we all having a rotten week?

I'm very sorry for your loss. Being 38 years old myself, I hope to live many more years (my current week notwithstanding).

I never know what to say at a time like this, so I'll just state, in all honesty, that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time. :hug:

[ronnykmarshall]

17. Oh my god!

That's so horrible.

I am so sorry.

[mvd]

18. Very sad

I feel awful for her kids. :-(