Life is change.

As many of you have probably heard on the news, a little girl was killed in a horrible accident over in Swan Falls a few weeks back. The little girl, Preslie, was one of Jaden's very good friends. And, also one of my favorite girls from his class. Chris and I were devastated to hear the news, but just weren't sure how, if at all, we would share the news with Jaden. He's already had a really hard time with losing Tess and my Grampa in this last year, we just weren't sure he could handle anymore. His teacher said that with kids their age sometimes you can get away with not telling them at all, but sometimes it's good to tell them just the very basics of what happened.

At first we thought we'd just not tell him, or wait until school got back in and to see if he asked where she was. But, here we were about 2 weeks into not telling him and I just couldn't handle it. I'm just not good at keeping things from my kids. And, I'd rather him know in a situation where we have control over it than in school. Chris agreed. So we called them downstairs tonight and Chris told them both what had happened. J teared up instantly and buried his head into Chris, saying that she was his best friend and it wasn't fair. Which is about when I started crying. He was trying to be strong, but he's just heartbroken. He's glad she's in heaven with his Tessy and Grampa he says. He just sat there with his head buried into Chris' chest for a good 10 minutes..in shock I think. Poor little guy. He's had so much death in his short life. Breaks my heart. Ash wanted to know the details of how it happened, Chris tried to just minimize it saying that he didn't know all of the details. We really don't think they need to know how it happened. It's just too traumatizing.

Chris and I have both been losing sleep over it. I just can't get her sweet little face out of my mind. She was so smart and such a helper. Always happy, dressed really cute and always had cute hats to wear and hair cutely styled. She was always ready to learn and to help others who were having trouble. She was very confident and stuck up for what was right. She loved talking about Jesus. She didn't take any nonsense from anyone. It seems like I hear her voice all the time. And her little laugh. She had just gotten in her new big girl teeth in the front and she had that big goofy toothy grin all the time. She always ran and skipped everywhere.

Anyway, please keep J in your prayers, and Ash too. She knew her a little bit from their reading buddies program at school. And, most importantly, please pray for her family. She had a great, loving family and spoke of them all the time. She was very proud of her family. I can't imagine the pain they are feeling..losing her right before Father's Day must have added even more sting to it. I prefer not to go into details about how she was killed, but if you are interested, you can find information in these links.

Here is the link to the news story: http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/407153.html

Here is the link to her obituary: http://www.legacy.com/IdahoStatesman/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=111552943

If you speak with Jaden, please do not bring any of this up with him. Rest assured we are talking with him and he is talking with us and Ashley. If he brings it up with you that's one thing, but otherwise, please just let it be..we just ask that you'd be his silent prayer warriors.

Anyway, we just wanted to let you know what's been goin on in our lives as of late..and part of the reason we haven't been as regular with the blogging. It's just hard to think of much else right now. When we go to the school, we can remember her playing there like it was just yesterday..when we see kids laughing, we remember her smile instantly. Seeing Andrew celebrate his birthday, realizing that Preslie's family wouldn't have anymore birthday's with her was really hard on me. We see Jaden play or sleep or laugh or cry or run around and we think of her parents and how excruciating the loss must be. We can't even imagine taking the kids to Swan Falls again..It's so hard to lose someone so young who had so much life to live. But, we are so blessed to have had the time we did with her, and we'll be forever thankful for that.

I know I've said it a million times..but treasure the time you have with those who surround you. You never know when it will be your last moment with them. It can end in an instant. Don't waste time with bitterness and pettiness. Just love them for who they are and appreciate what they bring to your life.

Love you Preslie girl. Have fun showing them how it's done in Heaven. They must have needed you to help the angels bring smiles to those in need..and you're doing a great job. I smile every time I think of you.

Goodnight, love you guys.