Normally, on the Fourth of July, my thought would be to post some pretty red, white and blue rooms. Today, however, my thoughts are elsewhere. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve celebrated many Independence days not thinking much about the freedom we enjoy or the people that leave their homes and families to protect us. This week, I got a big reminder.
You may have heard on the news earlier this week about the Air Force cargo plane that crashed over South Dakota while fighting the wildfires. I’m sad to say that one of those lost was the husband/father of a sweet family here in our small town. This one hits close to home. We used to live in the same neighborhood, one of their boys was in my son’s first grade class this year, and we were even due the same time with our last babies. In fact, they have a three-week-old baby girl, in addition to three young boys. Heartbreaking.
Coastal Living
It’s a reminder to me that the stories we see on the news every day are about real people, with real families who love them. And, there are real people out there who bravely go out of their way to help people in need. Please pray for this sweet mom and her kids in the coming days, especially as you enjoy the 4th with your family and friends today.
So tragic. May God help them thru this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's heartbreaking. My heart goes out to the family. We do often take our freedom for granted, and it's important to always remember the sacrifices made. I will be praying for the family.
ReplyDeleteOh Emily, what a tragic loss. It makes my heart hurt to hear about it. Saying some extra prayers for that family.
ReplyDeleteugh! this so breaks my heart this morning, Prayers for that family!
ReplyDeleteThere truly are no words. Sending up prayers for this family. I follow another blogger whose husband is flying those missions as well.
ReplyDeleteEmily.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Indeed this family and those sweet young kids are in my prayers.
I think of our freedom often and the sacrifices people make, my brother has been to Afghanistan four times, fighting for our country, and he has missed his children learning to walk, talk, swim and so much more.
Pray for all of the service men and women and their families. Becauses as they say, freedom isn't free...it costs lives, time etc.
Hug your beautiful family today!
Elizabeth
Thank you for sharing this, Emily. We'll be praying for the mom and kids - and if you see her, you can tell her that. God bless those who serve!
ReplyDeleteSo terribly sad. I will keep this family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteWe found out last night about their loss, as we've moved to GA. We are heartbroken for them. Our kids are sad since they often jumped the fence to play together. I agree that we often take for granted our freedoms. Our prayers go to this family.
ReplyDeleteI don't watch the news much, but I did read about this on Facebook, and it is terribly sad. We must live in the same small town b/c I know one of the men was from the town I live in by the lake (I thought you were in Charlotte). I did not read that they had just had a baby. That's even more tragic. Good reminder for today, though.
ReplyDeleteThis crash is so very tragic. I fly C130s for the KY Air National Guard and this loss hits close to home as the C130 Guard community is pretty tight knit. I've been praying for the families and the two survivors. Such a sad thing to lose a plane and the hardworking aircrew members who were doing their jobs, just like everyone else goes to work to do theirs. We know it's a risk to takeoff everyday, but it is such a part of our lives... it's just what we do without thinking about the risk. Praying for God's comfort for the survivors families and friends and the rest of the Charlotte unit.
ReplyDeleteSorry for this sweet momma and our nation - but thank God we live in a free nation where so many are proud to serve and suffer the 'ultimate sacrifice'. I will keep that family and all military families in our prayers.
ReplyDeletexo~Jill
Oh, that's such heartbreaking news! There is always a fine line on patriotic holidays between fully enjoying the freedom that we have and remembering those who give so, so much to make us free.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Emily! One of our dear friends is in the military and about once a year they would go to burry one of their own, it's heartbreaking. Thank you for all that protect our freedom, it is about them today. Bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteXO
Kristin
So tragic. My heart and prayers go out to that sweet family.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying. What a tragic loss.
ReplyDeletePraying!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post...so sad, however well put. They are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteEmily: Thanks for the update on this family, I have been following the news reports on this.
ReplyDeleteI was thrilled when I found out that you were from the Charlotte area, I live in Wilkesboro (close to Boone). I always enjoy your blog!
Emily...hearing news like this just makes you stop and take note of the blessings in your own life....I am so saddened by this news.
ReplyDeleteVery sad. We have extended family in both SD and CO where the fires are. It's a tough time for so many families.
ReplyDeleteAs a mother of two sons in the military, every day is a reminder of our freedoms.
BTW the second photo is showing the flag backwards. When viewing a flag on the wall hanging in this fashion, the blue field should always be on the viewers left...over their heart.
We live in South Dakota and indeed heard about the crash. My hart aches for their families. I'm so sorry to hear he was a friend.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. How sad. I was crying as I was reading the post. I will be praying for the family.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry for this family. What a tragic loss. Our prayers are with them, especially the young wife and mother.
ReplyDeleteVery sobering Emily but I know unfortunately too well that there is a broken heart in every pew. I will pray for this sweet family who is devastated by their loss.
ReplyDeleteEmily, I have enjoyed your blog for some time now but I don't remember commenting. Congrats on your babies! They are precious.
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. I know this family personally. You are right...they are a wonderful family and full of love. This man was as gentle and kind, yet as strong and brave as they come. He was an amazing father and loved his wife so well!
I, and many others, are still in shock over this trajedy. But I know their faith in God is strong and pray He will carry them through.
I am so sorry Emily. I'm going to lift them up in prayer right now. I cannot even imagine the pain and shock they are in right now. I pray for peace in the midst of this unbelievable tragedy.
ReplyDeleteHeartbreaking. So truly sad. Important reminder about the stories we hear. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThis breaks my heart... I cannot imagine being without my husband with my one child, much less losing my husband with 4 children, one being 3 weeks old. I pray they will find comfort in the days ahead.
ReplyDeleteThis does hit home and gives us pause to think that tragedies happen everyday to people like us, and their lives are forever changed. I pray for that family and their tough time ahead. I pray for all the servicemen and women that help us daily.
ReplyDeleteNancy
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Joe's sister Justine is a dear friend of our family here in Spartanburg. Joe and his siblings were/are just great friends and it is so hard to see one of them missing. Our hearts are broken for all of them.
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