When the Race is Over

It is with a heavy heart that I write tonight. I don't know where to begin or how to express what my heart has felt all day. There was an automobile accident today on highway 150. I heard about it from several of my co-workers as they travel that road to come to work. They stated from what they could see that it was bad...really bad. I decided I would log onto one of the local news stations to see if I could obtain more information. Sure enough it was the headliner. I began to look at the pictures of the vehicles, not paying much attention to the actual story. As I was looking at one of the vehicles which was mangled, I thought that I recognized it. It wasn't until later in the day, that I put two and two together. I kept seeing numerous posts on Facebook. Posts asking for prayers for a sweet and loving family that they knew. I messaged one of my friends to ask for the name of the family involved in this morning's accident. When she told me who it was I must admit I was in disbelief. Tears rolled down my face. This was my son's baseball coach wife. They have two young children. One is James age and the other just two. My heart was shattered. I learned that the oldest son had been rushed to the local hospital and the youngest was at Levine's in Charlotte. She was driving the oldest to school when the accident happened. For me, this shocking news hit all to close to home for many reasons. Not only was this a family we knew, but someone I had talked with on occasion. We were friends on Facebook, we did concessions together during the fall ball season. We had engaged in conversation with one another and she not only supported her own son, she supported James. She supported every child on that team. We just got word via text the other night that James was to have the same coach for spring ball. Their first practice was scheduled for this Thursday night. I mostly thought about those two precious children. One now at the age of understanding his Mom will no longer be there in the morning to greet him with a warm smile. The youngest, not knowing or able to understand what just happened and that his Mommy will no longer be here in the physical sense. Her race is over... My mind has raced back and forth dwelling on the fact that a husband is now left alone to raise two boys. She was a stay at home Mom. She will no longer be there to kiss boo-boo's, read bedtime stories, tickle her children, kiss them or touch them. There will be one less plate at the dinner table. So many questions have run through my mind and still do, even as I type this. I know from the newsfeed that the driver of the other vehicle crossed the center line, hitting them head on. I don't have all the details, just what the news has stated. I only hope that this person wasn't driving impaired. I ask that you try to have a forgiving heart. Yes a life was taken, and I would imagine that if this person has any kind of heart, they are feeling that pain and loss tonight as well. When learning of this accident, it brought back a flood of memories from when I had my own accident. Hard to believe that on April 24th it will be one year. I ask myself all the time why my life was spared when it could have easily been taken. Just one more thing to flood my mind. Why was her life taken and not mine? She has two beautiful children and a loving husband. Isn't her life just as valuable as mine? More questions...more tears. I don't blame God, I just wish sometimes we had the answers. I bring all this before you to say this...one day this life will fade away. We will be gone. For me, I know what comes after death. I look forward to those pearly gates and meeting Jesus face to face. I know this to be true of the victim today. I know she is now face to face with her creator. I know this because of her Christ like actions. There is no doubt. Her final race is now over and victory is now hers. So tonight, parents...hug and kiss your children a little longer. Give them cookies and milk before bed. Wrap your arms around them and tell them you love them. Read them that extra bedtime story. Tell your spouse how much they truly mean to you. Let them know they are appreciated. Tell them they are beautiful and cling tight to the memories you have made. Don't let your heart be filled with hate. Love and live like there is no tomorrow. I can only imagine that today began as any typical day would. They got up, got dressed, she said goodbye and gave her husband a kiss. She headed out the door with her two children, she had already planned out what she would do for the day. Only, this time, things would be different. Those plans changed in an instant. That's how precious this life is. Cherish it because one day, this life...this race will be over. My prayers go out to you. Rest In Peace.