April 13, 2008

There are three reasons, really, for starting this blog. First, this is (I think) an effective way of keeping a journal for our family. Second, I feel compelled to document the activities and events of our children--which are always very entertaining. And Third, this keeps us in the 21st century (at least for a few months).

My goal is not to give a daily play by play of events, but rather to mention those things that are most important--most memorable in our family.

Events of Tragedy...The past 8 weeks have been extremely challenging- emotionally. On the evening of Saturday, Feb 23rd (my 33rd birthday) Christine and I had just arrived home from Stake Conference meetings when we received a call from a chaplain at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Earlier that afternoon, our friends the Cooks had been working at their new home in Linwood, Kansas- just outside Kansas City. Three of the Cook children were playing outside on the back patio, when all of a sudden there was a clap, and Katherine (age 5) was shot in the head from an unknown source (appears to be an accidental stray bullet) and fell over unconscious. She was life-flighted to Children's Mercy Hospital- where neurosurgeons gave her 72 hours to live.

After receiving the call from the chaplain, Christine and I arranged care for our children, and quickly headed for Kansas City. The Cooks don't have family nearby, and we felt we should stay with the other 6 children while Lamont and JoAnne stayed with Katherine. 7 weeks later (today), and after 4 weeks in the Pediatric ICU, a number of surgeries, and 3 weeks in the Pediatric Rehab Unit, Katherine is very much alive and doing well--and it appears that she will regain most if not all of her mobility and functions. It's truly a miracle.

Just 3 weeks after Katherine's tragic accident, Emily Russ (2 years) was playing outside in her grandparents backyard. She was apparently playing in or near a small pond, and accidently drowned. The Russ' (John and Linda) are Emily's grandparents and attend our branch in Parsons. Christine- as the Primary President- was asked to speak at her funeral, and I provided the music. The primary children sang a special number of "I Am A Child of God". It was a touching service- and while this tragedy is difficult, Emily's parents who were both separated and inactive from the Church, have been attending church meetings the past several weeks.

What's amazing to me, is how amidst tragedy, our Heavenly Father's love and mercy is so evident. Countless numbers of people have pulled together in prayer and faith around these two families- and miracles have occurred. I am a changed and better person because of the events of the past 2 months. I know more than ever before that Our Heavenly Father lives- and that He is very aware of us- on an individual basis. I'm grateful to have the gospel in my life- I know it is true.
Derek