Thursday, July 15, 2010

Not a Day for Celebrating

Today was my sweet Victoria's 1st Birthday, but it hasn't been a day of celebrating.

This morning I received the news that my amazing niece, a person who was full of so much goodness and light, was stabbed to death last night in a park near her home. I am heartbroken over the loss, and the pain her family is going through, and the thought of someone enacting such cruelty. Brittni was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Every conversation I ever had with her left me wanting to be a better person, to see more good in the world, and to have more faith in what I could not see. I am only calmed by the knowledge I have of Jesus Christ and the reality of the atonement. I know that although we are all hurting right now, Brittni is happy and well and having a glorious reunion with loved ones beyond the veil of this life. But, oh, how we are going to miss her until we can see her again.

As if that wasn't enough to emotional drain me for the day, my Grandpa has landed himself in the ICU tonight and is unresponsive. The family is all gathered and we are just waiting.

My heart is full of sadness tonight.

10 comments:

Carly said...

So sorry to hear about your cousin and your grandpa, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Layla said...

I'm so sorry for your lose. My prayers are with you and your family.

Kristie said...

So sorry to hear about your cousin and Grandpa. I hope you feel the love of those that are around you. We love you!
I acutally had my birthday on the same day as my grandpa's funeral. My mom said it was good for my grandma to have the distraction, and I thought it was way cool to have all my cousins at my birthday. I was nine, but try to enjoy the "big" picture of all the wonderful things Heavenly Father has given you.
Hugs!

Jeana said...

I am so sorry about all that happened yesterday. I've been thinking about you and your family. Your niece was an amazing person, thanks for sharing her blog, it really brought the spirit to me today reading her beautiful testimony and love of life. I just can't believe someone would do that to a beautiful person and her family. It breaks my heart. I hope your grandpa recovers, this is just so much for your family. You'll be in my prayers. It was so fun to get together yesterday, your girls are so awesome and you are such a great mom!

Anonymous said...

Oh Sunny, I am so terribly sorry! My prayers are with you and your family. *hugs*

Dehner Family said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your niece and Grandpa. I wish Jason was with you during this hard time. Brooke said it was good to see you the other day.

Sheridan said...

Sunny, I'm so sorry about your cousin & g'pa. I will keep you - all of you in my prayers. Love you!
Sher

Sheridan said...

Sorry, niece not cousin.

Kate said...

Sunny I was so sad to read about your niece. Your family will be in our prayers and we hope things go well with your grandpa as well. Much love your way.

Michelle said...

oh my heart is breaking for your family; what awful news to receive on any day, but even more so on Victoria's 1st birthday :( I am so sorry to hear about your niece, my prayers and condolences go out to your family. Your grandfather is in my prayers as well.