Though there were individual circumstances shared, the common theme of stronger faith and trust in God is inspiring. I really don’t know how all these families have been able to dig down through all that pain to bring up and express their faith to us. Y’all are simply amazing.

We lost my beloved and only nephew at the same age as most of these kids, due to rejection of an artificial heart valve. Out of that saddness and loss all I can offer each of these families, along with my prayers, is the acute pain eases. The void caused by loss is finally filled up with a sweet, albeit bittersweet memory. We never ‘forget’ - rather there finally comes a heart filled with thanksgiving for the gift of such a sweet soul God has loaned us.

Our Bobby has been with the LORD for nearly 30 years now, but his sweet smile and droll sense of humor is remembered as vividly as though I’d seen him yesterday. He is never absent from my memory, nor are the tears of loss when he comes to the forefront of thought and rfememberance.

Bless you all and my gratitude to a community that supports its newspaper, welcoming this kind of interview and front page story. What a tender hearted city is Abilene!!

My prayers and hugs go to every single person affected by the accident, especially members of the dear Bourland family.

We in our family have experienced the loss of more than one child (my little brother at 8 from brain cancer and Laura & Gary’s baby son, Johh, at 7 months, so know, as you do, that one never “recovers” from the loss.

Our mom, today at 83, some 46 years later, still grieves and cries over her little son who died. I’ve been a diabetic for 35 years and this morning couldn’t go to church with my mom at Hillcrest because I’d had a very hard night due to neuropathy (severe nerve ending pains) in my left foot that woke me up and kept me awake for about 3 hours and when I got up briefly and talked with her about 7:30 a.m. this morning, she broke down and wept for me and my physical pains that are so hard to live with.

It broke my heart, as well, to see my mom grieving so over ME (when I see it just as my cross I have to bear), and my heart turns to God who experienced the same grief (I can only imagine) at how HIS son was treated here on earth.

These things are hard to understand, but we press on knowing that our Father, God, understands and empathizes with us and keeps us wrapped in His arms until that day when we shall ALL be with Him, together where He shall wipe away every tear from our eyes.

Blessed Jesus, please come quickly.

Everyone involved in the accident remains in our prayers.

Isn’t it amazing “what God has brought you, your family and friends through.” Your faith (and all those involved) is a powerful testimony of faith, community, and love.

Although we have never met, you and your family, including the church at Highland, have been in my prayers since the accident. I remember the night of Jan. 16th well. Some of us parents of Sing Song hosts & hostesses met them for dinner in Fort Worth. I learned about the accident through the prayer that was offered before our meal that evening. This was at about 6:30 or 7:00 pm and we were asking for God’s intervention, healing, and blessings upon all who were involved. Then, the Sunday morning following Sing Song, I worshipped at Highland and was so moved by the service that honored the community of believers and those who assisted during the accident. Thank you for sharing your amazing faith and for your transparency throughout the past six months. You are a blessing!

Gayla

I want you to know that you and your family have ministered to me and blessed me, your tremendous faith, caring and love ooze from your writings.

I remember the day of the accident, and one of my sweet Bunco sisters in Lubbock put out the word and we all began to pray.

Thank you for opening your heart.

Some people might be ignorant enough to say, “Let it go.”

Never.

I am so very thankful that God parceled out his mercy upon Diane, Matt, and yourself when he spared Chris’s life that fateful day back in January! I believe Highland has become a Body that has come to know brokenness, loss, and sheer dependence on the Lord in a whole new way. I praise God for the journey he has led us on as we have trusted in his plan. Bret and Jennifer continue to keep me in awe as they wholeheartedly lean on the hope and promise that Christ is in the midst of their grief.

Love and blessings to you.
Lauren Cunningham