One Year

Something about seasons reminds us of our past. For us, fall is a beautiful season with the myriad of colors ranging from flaming red to yellow, gold and even some still green. As the leaves continue to fall until almost all the trees are bare, we are reminded of that ride home from the Shepherd Center last year. Where had fall gone? It was stark winter. Cold and scary. We had been inside hospitals for six weeks without any notice to the changes outside. Maybe we'll always be reminded of that date in November every time the leaves fall, but today we rejoice. Our children are alive and under our roof. They are not the same kids they were one year ago. Things are different -- our conversations are longer and deeper, time doesn't matter. Talking sometimes begins in the middle of the night and ends whenever they've said it all. Physical and emotional healing doesn't care about time.

Today our hearts ache for Bill and Kyle, Anna and the girls and Deborah. One year ago today they lost their son, their brother. We see the strain on their faces as they go about each day and simply try to get through it. We don't always know whether to talk with them about Mike or if we should talk about the weather. It's hard. We can't imagine the emptiness they feel. That night our kids were given back to us and theirs was taken. We don't have any answers, and sometimes there's a tinge of guilt that we have so much hope. They've heard it all --- it was his time, it's God's will, he lived a full life, he was a great kid. But it must take time --and lots of it -- to even begin to sense healing. Our hearts go out to all of you as you walk this difficult road. We love you all and will continue to pray.

To all those in the accident -- Kyle, Blair, Will and Rachel. We haven't forgotten your pain. Each one of you suffers similarly yet in different ways, but you all still suffer. Even though our roads have taken different paths, that cold November night still unites us. There is a special bond that is there every time you see each other -- the tragic memories play like horror movies in your mind, and that is what we pray will diminish with time -- there it is again -- time. Maybe there will come a day when this event is not the first thing you think about each morning. And maybe God's Word is true when it says, " I will never fail you. I will never abandon you. So we can say with confidence,'The LORD is my helper, I will have no fear.'" . . ."Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful."

With love and thankful hearts ---

The Hickoks