Sharing the good...and the bad

[emfullante]

The following is a bit hard to share and yet I feel compelled to share this with the DD community. Some of you might remember a thread I started last week which questioned how I should continue with my Days of December album while I went to Arizona for my niece's wedding. Thank you so much for your input, by the way - you were so helpful. The wedding was beautiful, the week went well - both in Arizona and here at home with my husband and kids.

Now for the hard part. My niece's new husband, an airman in the Air Force had to return to base in North Dakota. My niece remained at home in Arizona. Monday night we heard word from the Air Force base that my niece's new husband, had accidentally been shot off base. He didn't survive the surgery that followed. My niece became a widow after only being married 5 days.

Part of me feels terrible for sharing news like this especially at this time of year. My main reason for letting you know is because I want to encourage you. Please remember and know that each day is such a gift. Try to find something special in your 'everyday" and hold on to it. We scrappers might be on to knowing this more than some, but I feel that it's always good to be reminded of such.

Our family is grieving like never before, but I can tell you one thing. All of the photos taken during this special week have become priceless treasures. Even the silly, boring, just eating pizza photos. My niece, Caitlin, has found the most comfort at looking at the photos taken just this past week. The photos we take, even the ones we think are boring definitely matter!

I know that the DD community is so supportive and caring - I've witnessed this time and again. Any prayers you have to offer would be so much appreciated. Thanks! Michelle

[krystav]

oh Michelle, that is so awfull!

My condoleances to your niece, yourself and ofcourse your entire family.
It gives me joy knowing that the everyday photos are able to be a comfort for your niece in these horrible times

[donna goar]

Michelle,

I am so very sorry for this loss in your family. Your hearts must be aching. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for offering your words on the importance of photos and memories in our life.

[KarenC]

Oh, Michelle! I'm so sorry. How tragic. Prayers for your niece and whole family.

[maureenreynolds]

Oh Michelle, that is so heartbreaking. Those pictures are so very very precious now, esp the 'ordinary' ones. Thank you for taking the time to share this tragedy with us, and hopefully this sorrow shared is somewhat diminished with the sharing. Which one of us doesn't need reminding to cherish the moment. Hugs! Maureen

[home in ottawa]

Wishing you peace. My condolences to you and your family.

Susan

[vfleslie]

I am so sorry. Leslie

[DonnaNJ]

Oh Michelle I'm so very sorry for your family and especially your niece.. I will keep them in my prayers for sure.. and thank you for the great reminder that every day is precious

[LoriS]

Wow! I couldn't even IMAGINE!!!!!!!! That is so tragic! Thanks for sharing... I'll keep your family in my prayers.

[kb7496]

I am so very, very sorry for your family's tragic loss.

[Scrapbird]

Oh, Michelle, there just aren't words to say. Thank you for sharing your sorrow with us, and I hope your wonderful memories continue to sustain you. Thank God your niece has such a close and loving family.

[digigrandma]

Tragic and heart breaking, Michelle. It makes one question, how could this happen? I'm so very sorry. I am stopping what I am doing right now to say prayers for your niece and all of your grieving family and to contemplate your message....bless you, Michelle...may all those photos give you and your family comfort.

[earlofoxford]

Michelle, I am so sorry for your family's loss. I am lifting up prayers for comfort and strength, and thank you for reminding us of the importance of what we do.

[jazzmatazz]

Oh, Michelle! What a terrible, terrible tragedy! I know it's even worse having happened around the holidays when all is supposed to be merry and bright. My prayers are with your niece and her family through this difficult, heart-wrenching trial.

Thank you for reminding us of the need to treasure every day. And never apologize for sharing what is on your heart!

Blessings ...

[BrittanyLane]

this brought tears to my eyes... this is so tragic.

My prayers will be with you and your family and your niece as you grieve.

Thanks for little reminder... it's always important to hear and remember.

[kathie02]

Michelle, I am so deeply sorry for the tragedy that has befallen your family and especially your niece. My husband and I saw this on the news last night and were commenting how horrible this was ( I live in ND, about 100 miles from Minot)...and this makes it even more so....your family will be in my thoughts and my prayers.

If your family needs any regional information or anything from up here, please don't hesitate to pm or call me. my number is 701-572-9242.

[Amy L]

This is hard to take in; so so sorry for your family.

[Lynn Grieveson]

How tragic. I am so glad though that your neice is finding comfort in the photos - I can so imagine how those "eating pizza" ones are treasures for her.

[justmp]

My heart breaks for your family! What a treasure the memories that those photos hold!! Thank you for sharing. (((Hugs))) to you all!

[MIDA78466]

How tragic! I can't imagine what she must be going through. I'm so glad she is finding comfort in the photos. God bless you all.

[Aino]

This is such a tragic story. I am so sorry for your family's loss. May strength and peace go with you.

[dfwest]

There are no words to adequately express such grief. My thoughts and prayers go with your niece, you and your family.

[LauraBean]

I am so sorry--such a sad thing. I'm praying for your family.

And, yes: Thank you for the encouragement regarding our photography and scrapbooking. Sometimes I think, Who wants all these photos? But we never know when we might be preserving the most special memory.

[katie pertiet]

absolutely tragic. unbelievable. my heart goes out to your family at this difficult time. A memory keepers job is never done and I'm glad to hear every one of your pictures is treasured just wish it wasn't bundled with the heart ache. Keeping you in my thoughts this holiday season.

[sarahorton]

I am so sorry. What an awful tragedy. Keeping your family in our prayers through this terribly difficult time.

[echogirl]

Oh Michelle, I m so so very sorry for your loss. Your words are inspirational during this very trying time. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[kikimama]

Oh my! So sorry for your niece, and your family. Glad she can take some comfort from your photos. Thinking of you.

[hendon]

I am so very very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.

[Christinas]

This is heartbreaking ! You can never make sense of such tragic events ! My deepest condolences !

[mugsbigsis]

Prayers and hugs.