I’m not going to lie to you; I’m struggling with this one.
Tom and Laurilyn Fortner are two of the finest people you will ever meet. They were also two of the finest parents you’ll ever know. Their home was full of love. Their only daughter Frances was talented, brilliant, beautiful and about to cross into the next chapter of her life. She, like thousands of seniors across the state, was excited about her graduation. The future was as bright as her own rising star.
And all that was stolen by an open manhole.
Yes, it is proof that we aren’t guaranteed anything in life. Yes, we should hold nothing back and reach out to those we love often and with all our heart.
But dammit. This is unfair.
I am 50-years old. I’m not naive. I’ve seen tragedy after tragedy befall on some of the finest people I’ve ever known. Life isn’t all unicorns, puppies and rainbows. I am also a man of strong faith. I’d like to lean back on it right now. I’m struggling.
A f-ing open manhole.
It should have been marked. It should have been fixed. While I don’t have all the facts, this accident shouldn’t have happened. Heaven gained an angel prematurely because someone didn’t do their damn job. It’s easy to get mad and point fingers. I know I did yesterday.
In time, that should happen. Right now though, Tom and Laurilyn need our love. There are seniors at Jackson Academy who just lost a friend and learned that they are mortal. They need our love. There is a whole community who knew and loved this young lady. They need our love, too.
Our faith will kick in is when we reach out and care for those who are hurting. A meal. A hug. A note. Just being there. This is a scar that will burn on people’s hearts for a long, long time. The only balm that can soothe it are the quiet displays of caring that will be needed for a long time yet to come.
If you pray, pray for those who are hurting. If you don’t, send good thoughts. And then reach out to them. Then love those around you.
Life is fragile. What makes it strong is the love we give at times like these.