We're home and it feels so good to be back in the Casita de Trash...even with the mountain of laundry I've yet to scale.  This trip was different and I'll be trying to explain what I mean by that in future posts.  I will tell y'all I came home with a renewed appreciation and love for my family and friends.

I'm sure I've mentioned in my past writings of how when Jenn married Roby, we were blessed not only with a wonderful son-in-law, but with a doll baby in the guise of a 7 year old grandson as a bonus, courtesy of Roby and his ex-wife, Susan.

Brandon is a big part of our lives even though I don't get to see him as much as the girls.  He's talented, smart as a whip, and can do just about anything he puts his hands..or mind...to.  He's been raised not to fear defeat, but to accept all challenges life throws at him head on.

I'm sharing all this with y'all for a purpose.

Brandon has been thrown the worst challenge a young man can face and needs all the prayers and support he can get.

Jenn and Roby had came to Zapp for the birthday party, but on Saturday received word Susan had been in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma.  After making several phone calls, Roby learned she had been killed while on a group ride...the details of which don't really matter.  All that mattered was she was gone at 44 and Roby had to be the one to break the news to her mother...and Brandon.

They immediately did a turn around and headed back to Roanoke, Susan's mother, Donna, and to Brandon.

In the meantime, the Roanoke Police Department came to Donna's home and I have to say praise God for sending such caring individuals.  They remained with Donna and Brandon, providing comfort until Jenn and Roby could get there.  After receiving Roby's permission, one of the officers told Brandon what had happened and held the two of them when the reality of this nightmare hit them.

Brandon is an amazing young man who is doing the best he can to try and understand the whys...of which no one can answer nor explain.  He made the statement to his dad that at least she was doing something she loved.  Such intuitiveness for one so young makes my heart swell with love and pride.

~Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you, yes I will help you.

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.~Isaiah 41:10

Everyone wants to try and take care of Brandon...he only wants to take care of his grandmother.  My heart is breaking for him, but at the same time I am so proud of him.  Losing a parent, especially a mother, is one of the hardest things in the world to experience, but to lose one at the age of 15...there just aren't words.  Even though he won't be 16 until next month he is already showing the man he will become.  He is strong, full of grace under pressure and such a testament to his mother's love and care.  Susan has left a living legacy of what a beautiful, caring woman and mother she was in this remarkable young man.  No words carved in concrete on a man-made marker could ever say as much about her life while on this earth as this child's face reveals.

I ask simply for your prayers to help him continue in this walk he is on and for the future that lays ahead of him without her.  Even though she is gone, I pray he feels her love surrounding him and strengthening him every day of every month of every year.

Thank you.

Debbie

~When you pass through the water, I will be with you;

And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.

When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.~Isaiah 43:2