GOODBYE DEAR FRIEND……..
SUO challenge for today……..SCHOOL DAYS…..man it was hard to find a stamp that had to do with school days!! So in the end I thought gee…..sunflowers are out when kids go back to school, so a sunflower, some newsprint…..some polka dots, and a banner……oh and some twine and brads……voila! As school daisy as it’s gonna get around here!! When I think of school days today, it brings me back to memories of a precious life that was lost this past weekend. My son Mike’s best friend growing up and to this day, Mark Lennon, was killed in a terrible boating accident this past weekend. Six young people went out for a boat ride in the late evening on the Hudson River in NY, and the boat struck a construction barge and Mark and another young lady, Lindsey were ejected from the boat and they found their bodies later – they had drowned – such a sad and senseless tragedy. Lindsey was to marry her childhood sweetheart Brian on August 5th. My heart goes out to this young man – the groom to be – Brian – who woke up after massive head injuries himself to discover that in an instant, he lost the woman he loved, and his best man at the same time. It’s at a time like that, you wonder where God is? Right?? Be honest!! Well I know God sees, HE knows, HE cares, HE loves……we cannot hope to understand these things this side of heaven. I remember when, Mark was as young as 2nd grade……an adorable chubby little Irish boy with freckles, he and my son became fast friends at this tender age. That friendship continued, even after our son moved from NY to Ohio, and Mark was a tried and true buddy for all these years. The ache of losing a friend that has been as close as a brother…..so my heart aches for Mike and for our whole family who lost a precious friend. My heart aches for his loving mother and father and his only brother Ray. My heart aches for anyone who knew Mark, because to know him was to love him. Rest in peace dear Mark, we will always remember your loyalty, your faithful spirit, your infectious grin, your hearty laugh, your big old heart. Until next time, Karen
Karren
July 31, 2013I am so sorry for your family's loss. That tragic story made the news over here in New Zealand and I felt so bad for all the people involved – such a tragic accident when it should be such a happy time. Take care. You've made another beautiful card by the way.
Lael Youngblood Tallini
July 31, 2013Oh, Karen. I am so sorry to hear about your friends. I have been following the story closely on the news, but it makes it even more real when it impacts someone you "know." I send prayers out to your family and to Brian, bless his heart. I cannot imagine. My faith is often tested by events like this. So many questions…
Shirley M
July 31, 2013So sorry for your loss Karen. This beautiful card was obviously made with love as your heart goes to the families involved in this tragedy. Hugs to you today and the days that follow.
Shirley M
freysinj
July 31, 2013Your card is beautiful. Your story about your son's friend is shared by the nation. I have watched the story unfold on the news and felt grief for all involved. Prayers to you.
Julie
KelliJo
July 31, 2013I am SO sorry to read of this loss! I am trying to come up with words, yet what can you really say?
Prayers for all that have this hole in their life, missing that special man!
Julie Gearinger
August 4, 2013Karen- So sorry to hear about the loss of this young man and woman and will be praying for your family and well as theirs… The card that you created for the Back to School Challenge looks wonderful and I am sure that the memories your son has with his recently departed friend will last a lifetime…God Bless!
Cheryl / CLOcards
August 4, 2013Thanks for sharing, Karen – both your hurt and your testimony of truth. Will be praying for all who knew Mark and Lindsey – and for you!! The sunflower is so bright with HOPE, yes?! 🙂
Carol Dee
August 4, 2013My heart aches for all involved. I heard the story on some national news program and was sad. Sending hugs….