Monday, August 18, 2008

R.I.P. Dear Angela & Jessica

I've mentioned before my sister's death, on November 17, 2007. She was 24 years old and had a 4 yr old and an 8 month old, both girls. On Nov 17 at around midnight, her husband was picked up for posession of cocaine. At 7:30 AM she went to bail him out of jail. No one knows exactly what happened the next half hour, but at 8:10 AM, calls came in to 911 that there had been a car accident. Her husband was driving an estimated 86-93 mph down a busy street in the St. Petersburg, FL area, ran a red light, hit a pickup truck that was turning, skidded along about 100 yards, and hit a building. Angela was killed instantly. He walked away with a bruised rib. This has been a very hard year for my family. My brother was able to come home from Iraq for the Memorial Service (her husband would not allow my dad & stepmom to make any final arrangements for her, nor let her body be released), and my youngest sister April was at Army Basic Training and was told a few days after the wreck and managed to go to Florida at that time with Kenny. Custody of the girls has been given to their paternal uncle, who is a good guy but is a 30-yr-old bachelor. Florida court system at work. Needless to say, it's been tough. We're all working through it the best we can. Below is a photo of Angela with Kaitlyn.





So Friday, I get a call that my stepmom's mother has passed away. It was expected and she was in pain, so it was a blessing for her, although still hard to say good-bye. My stepmom (who has been married to my dad for 31 years, so she is someone I adore) has now lost her mother & daughter within 9 months. April has lost her sister & grandma. They have all gone to Indiana to the funeral.



Yesterday, stepmom (Julie) calls to tell me that April's best friend was killed in a horrific accident near Tampa. Jessica had just gone up to NC a few weeks ago to paint the nursery for April, and was throwing her baby shower in October. April's in Indiana on Leave, and I doubt the Army is going to give her leave to go to Florida. How much more can one young lady & family endure in a year? Nine months to the day of Angela's death, April now has to say good-bye to the person closest to her. Jessica forced April to buy the adorable green dress, and only a week ago April was here telling us about her buddy. The photo above shows Jessica on the left and April on the right, another friend in the center.

My heart breaks for April & for Jess's family. To keep losing people at such a young age is so difficult, and I'll keep Jess's mom in my prayers.

5 comments:

Dianne Long said...

Crystal, I am so sorry for all the loss and sadness you and your family have had to endure this past year. There are no words that can really ease your pain, but know that you and your family and Jessica's family are all lifted up in prayer here. Only God can bring the comfort you need. Lean on Him and hold your sister and other loved ones close in your memories. They will always live there and it is love and joy in what they brought to your life that bridges the way between heaven and earth. Take care,
Dianne

cathy said...

Oh wow Crystal, your family has really been hit hard this year, specially April. That is alot for anyone to bear but specially someone so young. On top of that she's dealing with pregnancy emotions too, right? Poor girl. I wish I could both her & you a hug :)

Lisa McDonald said...

Crystal ~

My heart is breaking for you and for Jessica's family. It certainly has been a very sad year. Just know that I will have each of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Lisa

Inka Smith said...

Crystal,
I am very sorry to hear about all the things that your family has had to live through. It is even harder when they leave us so young. I just lost a friend last month also. It really changes how you feel about life. Made me want to hug everyone and just spread the love. Also I don't sweat the small stuff anymore. Life is too short. Blessings to you girl. I hope you can find some peace through all of this.
Inka

Joyce's Journey said...

My heart breaks for all of you. Loss is such a hard thing to endure. My prayers are with you. Your sister was beautiful. I cannot imagine. You always think that we're not supposed to lose people close to us until we're older and they're older and then we can just understand it better. Hold on to your beautiful memories. They will comfort you.