For many people, today is merely the third day of a long weekend. For some, it is observed as it was meant to be: a day reserved for the most sacred of reflection.
I’d be blowing smoke if I said this weekend hasn’t been fun. It has. Holiday weekends mean time spent together as family. But for many families… holiday weekends, especially this one, mean spending time without a part of their family.
On Saturday morning we ventured out to hit up local farmer markets. We hadn’t been driving only a few minutes on the interstate, when we saw a big cloud of smoke, cars pulling off onto the shoulders, hazard lights flashing, and people frantically watching. Something bad… REALLY bad, had just happened – and only moments before we had got there.
My heart sank.
Please let everyone be ok.
Tears of empathy began to well up. Memories came flooding back {to Jan 5th, 2009 on that foggy morning. Shattered glass, cold blood dripping off my chin, and intense waves of intense heat rushing down my neck and right side of my body. I had just been broadsided}.
Almost a year later, I had made a full physical recovery. But my heart has never fully healed. It’s always stayed vulnerable & partially broken. Broken, in a way that makes me mourn & sympathize difficult and trying situations with others that have to endure them.
It’s at times like these, when passing the semi’s smashed cab that was lodged between the columns of the underpass, that make you feel utterly helpless. But offering a simple heartfelt prayer & thoughts of empathy, can… and DO have an impact.
It was so touching to witness others experiencing the same feelings. It was evident by those who were on their cell phones, those who were kneeling amongst weeds in prayer, those who were looking down from the above overpass. The genuine concern from unknown strangers provided the sweetest feeling of peace.
After passing the scene, Husby looked over at me. Tears were trickling down his cheeks. He experienced it too.
As we celebrate this Memorial Day with smiles & rejoicing, as a whole family… There are those who are mourning with tears & memories, with their broken families. May our hearts be filled with empathy for them today. And take time to be grateful for all that we have been blessed with.
Psst! Haven’t gotten enough of your Pink Pistachio fix? I was privileged to be interviewed by the oh-so-talented Mrs. Bartee! She kinda makes me feel like a zillion bucks! Check it out over HERE today!
- Jeans – Gap
- Blue Tank – Nordstrom
- Ruffled Layering Tee – H&M
- Necklace – Nordstrom
- Bracelets – F21
It is so hard to pass accidents like those! It is heartwarming to hear about all the wonderful people who care about other they may not even know.
I am glad you made it out of your accident! Those are not easy to recover from physically and mentally.
What a nice post!
Kendra, thank you for your words. It really was a special experience to see that there is still much good in the world today – strangers caring for strangers.
You are amazing. This post touched my heart so much! Thank you for sharing part of your story and for reminding us to always treasure the time we have together.
ps. I love your shirt. What department of Nordy’s is it from?
Michaela, you’re such a sweetheart. Time truly is one of life’s greatest blessings. The shirt is from BP. I just bought it recently. It’s not found online… but if you show them the pic, they should be able to get it for you! Thanks again. xo
i think sometimes we go through things so that we can empathize with others who end up experiencing what we do… I am glad you are okay.. it’s one of my worst fears!
I couldn’t agree with you more! There’s always a time, season, and endless reasons why we experience life’s thorns. Always wear your seatbelt. Put it on before even starting your car. I was in the process of putting mine on when we were hit. We had just finished working out at the gym. Husby was pulling out onto the main street while I was putting my seatbelt on. 2 seconds later, we were hit. Had I had it on the outcome would’ve been entirely different. I am truly thankful to be where I am today. Thank you so very much for sharing your thoughts. xo
Ah, a very poignant reminder of what is truly important in life. I can relate to your post… for the last two and a half years, my life has been on and off spent in the hospital, having tests, and multiple surgeries. Today, thankfully, I am better… but the emotional and mental effects linger. I have an enormous, overflowing empathy for others that I did not have before. And I have also realized the real power of prayer and support from others- even strangers. Thanks again for the post. Happy Memorial Day! and SUPER cute outfit… as well as the furry little munchkin in your lap. 🙂
Kerri, suffering is such a blessing in disguise. It’s almost unbearable to go through at the time – but yields such beautiful blessings, doesn’t it? I can’t imagine all that you’ve gone through. But I can tell you’ve used the trial to change you for the better. Thank you for taking the time to share your sweet insight! xo
Great post girl! Gave me chills and brought some tears which is hard to do! Love you!
It’s because you’re such a sweetheart. Love u too, Julie! xo
I have those jeans from the Gap – you little skinny mini! Thanks for the great post 🙂
Don’t you just love them? Thanks, Michelle!
aww friend. Nice post! I can’t imagine what you must feel every time you pass by a wreck like that. That was such a scary day. And even though my girls have been crying all morning, reading this make me want to hold them close and cherish just being with them, the good and the bad. luv ya girl!
thank you for such sweet words, B! Yes, it’s the days when I want to turn into a wicked witch that I need to remember it could be my last day. Love you too! xo
Love your post, it is so sad to think about everyone who has lost a family member. My best friend’s brother just died two days ago in a small plane crash here is Utah and it’s heartbreaking to watch what the family has to go through. Glad you are okay! Also, you are so cute, I LOVE this outfit! I just ran across your blog today, I can’t wait to follow, and your baby is ADORABLE too!