My daughter Kelsey sent me a text message on Friday....
"Mom, can I make a card for Ben when I get home?" (Ben is the boy from her class who lost his brother to a shooting accident several days ago.)
"Of course, you can!" I answered her. And I offered to help her with it that evening. I should have known... she didn't need my help!
She found my "In His Name" stamps from Our Craft Lounge, and made this card using one of the beautiful crosses from the set. Inside the card... well, I'm still just amazed at what she wrote. She's just been so worried about Ben and what he must be going through, and she filled this card with reassurances to him that it wasn't his fault and was just an accident. She offered many times to be available if he needs to talk and reminders to "just pray to God." I wanted to publish what she wrote in it's entirety, but decided it's personal and she meant it for Ben, not Mom's blog readers.
I appreciate so much all the prayers you have offered for this family in our community! I know it has helped, and the family will heal but of course never forget. We were cheered to know that Nick's two brothers attended the high school basketball game last night, in hopes that our team was going to earn a trip to the state tournament. Unfortunately, that will have to wait until next year.
I mentioned the other day that the high school kids all wore camoflauge to school on Friday in memory of Nick. There was a great article about their remembrance in our local paper yesterday. You can read it here, if you'd like. There's a great picture of the kids, too. The kids also wore camo and hunter orange at the basketball game last night, and the team had camo patches on their uniforms. (Nick's obituary can be read here.)
God bless you all for your compassion for a family you've never met! Have a wonderful, blessed day!
how lucky is Ben to have a friend like your daughter
Posted by: mary grace | March 22, 2009 at 09:47 AM
Your daughter's card is touching, thoughtful, and came straight from the heart. Those kind gestures go a long way to comfort someone in need, and I'm sure Ben will benefit tremdendously from knowing people do care about his welfare. It's such a sad situation, but the way your daughter reached out to him will never be forgotten. She's a chip off the ole block by the looks of her card, but then she's had a great teacher to learn from too :)
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Posted by: carol | March 22, 2009 at 10:19 AM
I was crying before I even read a thing--how sweet that Kelsey is following in her mom's footsteps by creating something out of love to help another feel better. It is a beautiful card.
LeAnne
Posted by: LeAnne | March 22, 2009 at 12:08 PM
What a great card Kelsey made. It is sure to bring her friend some comfort. Such a tough time. My heart goes out to Ben, his family and the community. xx
Posted by: Tracey | March 22, 2009 at 12:12 PM
It sounds like you've done a wonderful job raising your daughter Tammy! What a caring young girl. (and I need to avoid your blog for a while bc I am crying AGAIN!)
Posted by: Libby | March 22, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Thanks so much for sharing not only Kelsey's awesome card with us but also the story from the kids at school. Nick sounded like a very funloving unique young man ... and I can see he will be missed greatly!
Please tell Kelsey that I think she's an extraordinary young lady for wanting to support and encourage Ben. Her kind of friendship is a real gift ... I'm sure he'll need her friendship greatly over the next several months.
Posted by: Darlene (akronstamperdp) | March 22, 2009 at 02:51 PM
Neat card your daughter made for her friend. Would be a hard burden to bear for someone (Ben) so young. Glad he and his family have lots of caring friends.
Posted by: Bev J. | March 22, 2009 at 02:52 PM
What a beautiful card your daughter made for her friend and so full of compassion and faith. I'm sure that it will bring him a great deal of comfort knowing that he has a friend with such great faith. Prayers continuing for this family and thank you for sharing their story so we can all pray for them daily.
Barb
Posted by: Barb | March 22, 2009 at 05:55 PM
Aw, I need a tissue. My heart just breaks for that family. Your daughter's card and her caring are so touching. How proud you must be.
Posted by: Danielle | March 23, 2009 at 01:01 PM
You're raised her right, Tammy. What a caring young woman. Her card is beautiful and I'm sure the message inside will be a great comfort to her friend.
Posted by: Barbara | March 23, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Wow, what a tragic story! My thoughts and prayers go out to that family ~ what an awesome tradition they had each morning though. Sigh. And, what a wonderful thing for your daughter to do! I think you "done good" Tammy! :)
Posted by: Mary G | March 24, 2009 at 05:34 PM
What a wonderful card for your daughter to make -- and I'm sure making it helped her deal with her emotions as much as it will help and be of comfort to her friend. Prayers still going out to that entire family. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Sharon (notimetostamp) | March 27, 2009 at 05:43 AM