The Worst Kind of News

Sunday morning of October 3rd I received a shocking text message from my neighbor friend Ashlie telling me that her next door neighbor just shot himself. They live right across the street from us. Whoa, that was the last thing I was expecting to hear as I was waking up thinking I was going to enjoy watching general conference. After that I couldn't concentrate. I kept thinking about my neighbors. My two oldest kids used to be best friends with their two oldest kids, Alexis and Jake. They have gone their different ways ever since they entered middle school. The youngest, Eli, is now friends with Charlotte so we are still connected. I just kept running through my mind what might have happened and how everyone must be feeling and I so wanted to go over and hug Heather (the mom) but figured it was too soon. I wasn't sure what I would say or do either but I wanted to do something. Finally after I dropped Alice off to preschool on Monday I went to Walmart and picked out some flowers and then to the dollar store to get a card (because I forgot to get one at Walmart). I took them over after I had signed it but Heather wasn't there. Her brother answered the door (he has been around for awhile so I knew who he was) and told me she wasn't home but that the flowers and card were much appreciated. 

I went all last week feeling helpless for them. While they had a lot of family and friends show up during the week I decided to wait to go over there because I'm sure she was probably overwhelmed at times (which she was). My heart has been aching for their family. I just wanted to go over and give each of them a big hug but wasn't sure when. I was able to text Heather a little bit during the week so that at least helped. Finally this last Monday night (2 days ago) Heather's other next door neighbor and best friend Erin set up a meal train and gift card options of ways to help their family and Heather had texted me and many others the information. I was so happy to finally be able to help and have an excuse to go over and see her without wondering if I was intruding or not. So I signed up to take them a meal the very next day, which was yesterday.  It was a little difficult at first coming up with a meal to take them since they needed it to be gluten free but I went with Creamy White Chili, white rice, salad and rice krispie treats.  I was able to give her a big hug and visit a little bit and then another big hug before leaving. She had told me that yes it's been difficult but she thinks they will be fine and get through this. She and the kids have all been getting counseling now as well. What a relief to finally visit with her. I feel so much better!

Earlier in the morning yesterday I had also been thinking about their youngest son Eli who is going to have a birthday in just a couple of weeks and how difficult this will be to have lost his dad and have a birthday the same month. I wanted to do something to make his day happier. Two impressions came to my mind. The first one was to have a gal that works at our elementary school do a card the yard for his birthday since I knew that she started doing that a year ago. I messaged her to ask about prices After she told me she also asked about the Edwards family. I said that this is actually who I was wanting it for and she said she would do it for free. I got goosebumps and a feeling like this was inspired. The next idea I had after that was that our PTA president is a police officer and I asked her about doing a birthday parade for him like so many had done during Covid last year. She said absolutely! She also mentioned the idea of having one police officer stop by afterwards and let the kids climb in the car and look around. I told Heather this idea when I took over dinner yesterday and she said she would ask the older kids what they thought first and let me know. I was so excited about being able to instigate these things for once instead of being on the side lines quietly waiting to see what others would do. I sure hope they are okay with it because I think it will be great! I was so happy about it all day yesterday. Finally, a reason to smile for their family. UPDATE: I received a text from Heather this morning and she wants to do both! Yay! I can't wait!  Now to figure out what day and time and then round up as many people as we can to participate. His birthday is on the 21st which is a Thursday and that's when I would like to do it but I'll wait to hear back from her again about which day.

I took a picture of another neighbor's cute cat climbing our tree. Heather's (the Edwards) house is the one on the left and Ashlie's house is on the right. I wanted to post some sort of picture with this post so this was a picture I already took last week.

As a side note: Heather and Joe are members of our church but have never gone to church since they moved here from Oregon 12 or so years ago. They did however come to scout activities at the church when Jake was in scouts. Heather became best friends with her neighbor Erin who goes to the Church of the Brethren on the corner of Middleton and Orchard. Heather told me yesterday that they have gone to church on Easter a couple of times with Erin and Corey and she really liked their pastor. They also sent their kids a few times to their church camp up near McCall. So they will be doing the funeral services at that church. Some of the ward members know who they are and most have not but I have still asked for them to pray for this family and to help if they could with the meal train and gift cards. God loves everyone, no matter what our choices in life may be, no matter which church we decide to attend. I just want Heather to know that I love her as a friend and want to help in any way I can.