Gone - in half a heartbeat...

By all accounts it happened that quickly...

One moment clear sailing, the next - fully engulfed in the terrible storm.

The sad news... is that this accident:
http://cbs2.com/local/local_story_289172931.html
(The Multiple car pile up - during a blinding sandstorm - North of Los Angeles - Tuesday Oct. 16)
Claimed the life of my father.

He was enroute, with his wife, (and faithful little doggie - "Shep") to their seasonal home in southern AZ (Quartzite) when they were caught up in this.

Neither Dad nor "Shep" made it.

We (family&me) are in fact finding mode - we cannot travel, until we have a timeline and that is complicated due to the severity of his wife's injuries - she cannot, immediately, be moved much less be released to travel home to Washington State. (Broken leg, broken facial bones, severe lacerations and a blood clot in her chest - lung area, concerning the medical personnel)

Kindnesses and prayers from my community - this community - our home-town community - are pouring over me so don't worry for me, however... prayer would be much appreciated for my Step-Mother "Marcy" she's a toughie, and she is an amazing woman, however, she only found out [Wednesday], that she's been widowed - for a second time ... the last time was over 30 years ago.

She and my father were so very, very good for each other... and throughout all the years that I have known her she has demonstrated nothing but love and kindness to me (never a negative vibe from her towards me - not ever, at least none that I've ever preceived. I can not say that about my own parents - but then, again, parents have a big job to do, don't they?) how can I not, love her, so very much, for that? I truly do.

Thankfully, her son & his wife were able to safely make the trip to be by her side the morning after this news broke... so that they could be with her when she was told the sad news, for certain (she was so connected to my father that she'd already had a 'sense' that he was gone).

This is a loss that's going to be very hard for us, but at this time, my heart, is most especially full, for Marcy.

My parents divorced in 1977 - amid much drama.

I told my father once that the name Marcy was awful close to Mercy - and that I thought he'd been blessed through her.

I know I was.

Wheather Marcy realizes it, or not, she has very much been a good and a faithful servant to love. She has been, in fact, 'the bridge' over many troubled waters that enabled my father and his children (those that could and would receive them) to gain a great many blessings they, otherwise, never would have realized on, and of, their own accord.

Thank-you, those of you who, have, are, and will pray for healing here - I have been feeling those prayers, now, and I know that my family and extended family members are as well.

My scriptures tell me that God is Love.

May God's will prevail and bless you - all who pass this way

...and lead you sure and safe, through every storm - that you may return just as sure and safe to love once more.

I leave you these thoughts, in the name of Jesus Christ.

(Amen)

~