Life has changed, I don’t even really know how, in what way, but it’s changed.
My husband’s words hung heavy in the air, matching the weight of the mood in the room.
A little more than 24 hours earlier, a friend of my husband’s, a husband, a father, died in a tragic accident right before his eyes. My father and my 11 yr old son were there as well, along with a few other men, working together to repair a tower (like a cell phone tower) that came down Friday night when a tree fell, snapping a guy-wire, bringing down the tower along with an entire loop of wireless internet access. (This has been my 1st chance to get to a local coffee-shop to hop online…)
A large piece of equipment tipped, and came down, throwing this man, to the ground with too much force for a body to withstand. My husband had spent a good part of the day on that piece of equipment with this man, working side side-by-side.
He wasn’t on the lift when it fell.
I’m so thankful, and yet, I can’t help but hurt and grieve all the more for his widow. There could have been two widows Saturday night. If that lift had come down earlier in the day, my husband could have died alongside hers.
Why her husband?
There are no answers to questions like that, at least not on this side of heaven.
All of the men, my son included, are shaken. Some of them are having trouble sleeping. Some of them are having trouble eating. The wives are shaken.
I’m shaken.
And yet, in the midst of this very, very, dark and stormy cloud, there is a bit of a silver lining.
He was a Christian.
He knew the Savior, and we know where he is and Whom he is with. His death was tragic, but there is no tragedy in his eternity. We are all so thankful for that.
There will be a funeral later this week. We covet your prayers- for the men, the wives, the widow, the fatherless 2 yr old, the lost extended family, his church family, the days and weeks spilling into months and years of putting one foot in front of the other and doing the next thing… especially for his widow.
Thank you.
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
How absolutely horrifying to witness. How tragic to live with. My prayers for your family and his.
I’m so sorry for the loss of this man. My thoughts and prayers go out to all that knew and loved him.
My prayers are with his family and yours. What a terrible tragedy. But, as you said, there is much comfort knowing he is with God.
I am so sorry to hear this. May God extend comfort to you all.
I’m so sorry to hear about this tragedy. Please know my prayers are with all of those affected.
so so sorry for his family. yet another reminder of how fragile and precious life is. so thankful he knew his savior and that his family can rest firm in the knowledge that he is with Him.
I’m so sorry Ali. I can’t imagine. Being thankful yet so sorrowful all at the same time. I will certainly lift everyone up in prayer. I will especially pray for your son. Thanks for sharing.
I have these same feelings when I hear about other soldiers dying. praying for this family that they will feel Christ comfort and strength
I am so sorry. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for everyone. I will be praying.
We’ll be praying for you all.
Breaks my heart, but as you said, there is no tragedy in eternity.
Praying for all involved. Jesus will hold each one shaken and give you all a rock on which to stand.
My prayers are with all who’ve been affected by this tragedy. I’m so sorry.
I can’t imagine her pain. Praying for all involved. Thank you for letting us know about this need for prayer. Linda
So sorry, May god comfort you and your family at this time.
I am so sorry. I’ll be sending prayers your way.
My boyfriend owns a small wireless Internet company and works on water towers, bucket trucks, and rooftops. This is the horror I am afraid will be my fate. I can say I am so truly sorry for your family and that of your friend. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with you.
Oh my goodness! This gave me goosebumps! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and of course with theirs as well! I hope your son can get through this, no young person should have to witness something like that! It is hard enough for adults I can only imagine how hard it is for him. Like you said at least there is a silver lining, he knew Christ and that means he is in a better place, we may never understand why we must go through things like this but knowing that God has a plan for us all is comforting! I hope you guys have a good weekend!
Oh, Ali! I’m so very sorry to hear this tragic news! I am friends with the Czeladas who mentioned this on facebook and I just made the connection. My prayers are with you and your family for peace in the midst of the chaos/fear, and grace and comfort for the family who’s loved one was lost.
So sad. Tragic deaths are so hard. It’s been five years for our family and it still can be like yesterday…prayers for all involved.