Two Years

What a beautiful day it was today in Springfield, Missouri!  So different than this day two years ago.  Across Missouri and Illinois, it rained harder than I have ever seen it rain all day long that day.  It seemed to me that heaven was crying out over the evil act that was committed against Mon and Dad so early that morning.

I knew I wanted to be here today.  I called my brother, Dave a few weeks ago and made arrangements to stay with him.  He made an appointment for us to talk to the lead detective on Mom and Dad's case this morning.  After a reassuring talk with the detective we took some flowers to the cemetery.  This evening we went to the annual service that is conducted every year at this time for crime victims.  There is a lovely garden that is set aside to honor victims.  Last year at the ceremony there was a paver placed in honor of Mom and Dad.  This year there were more that were memorialized.  As I spoke with the sheriff afterward,
he expressed that he would like to see the day that there would be no more victims to honor.  Unfortunately, we live in a broken and fallen world.  Evil will continue.

Although not a good picture, it was taken April 24, 2011, less than 24 hours before Mom & Dad were murdered

In many ways it seems like just yesterday that I was visiting with Mom and Dad but in other ways it feels like it was a lifetime ago.  So much has happened since their murders.  It is a stark reminder that life does go on despite the tragedies that occur in our lives.  I know that Mom and Dad would want us all to continue to live our lives to the best of our abilities but more importantly, they would want us to live our lives for the Lord.  Our obedient lives bring glory to God and nothing would thrill Mom and Dad more.

Hebrews 10:22-25 (The Message)

 So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we’re presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.

I miss you, Mom & Dad!