Tuesday, October 4, 2011

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


32 comments:

red.neck chic said...

I love how God gives you words.

Brandon and Donna - Jenn and Roby - You and Cat Daddy are all in my prayers...

xoxoxo
robelyn

One Gal's Trash said...

I'll light a candle today for Brandon...and for all of your loving family.
xox
Pam

Six in One Hand said...

I am so sorry to hear of your tragic loss. My prayers are with your grandson and all of you. May the Holy Spirit comfort Brandon and his family during this time of sorrow.

Garden Antqs Vintage said...

Deb, I have no words, only prayers I can say at this time for the whole family. I love you guys to pieces!

Anne Lorys said...

Brandon has all my prayers during this horribly difficult time, as do you all.
I love the scriptures you quoted, so very true.

Olive said...

You got those prayers.

Cheryl said...

Prayers going out to Brandon, you and family.
Loved the quotes from the Bible.
Cheryl

Marsha @ Tattered Chick said...

Prayers are going out to Brandon, his grandmother, to all of you.

Love,
Marsha

Anonymous said...

My heart and prayers go out to Brandon and Donna and your entire Family.
What a terrible loss and a wonderfully strong young man.
Sharron

Anonymous said...

Oh, Debbie, I'm so sorry. That is such a tragic situation. My heart goes out to all of you...

Gayle said...

Prayers going out to your Brandon and all
of you as well. It's a hard walk, hold Gods' hand tight.

Debra@CommonGround said...

Sending lots of hugs, love, and prayers your way. Asking for God's comfort and grace to support all of you. I'll keep Brandon in my prayers. His momma would be so proud of him. xoxo

Sue said...

Wow, this post is a difficult one to understand. Sadly, Brandon will grow up now faster than need be. I admire his strength for someone so young. My prayers are with that "little" boy along with a few tears as well.

Take care, Sue

Donna Reyne' said...

To start with, I am so glad you are safely home and then, my prayers are with you, your family and your sweet grandson Brandon. I know the Lord will wrap His loving arms around him as he travels this difficult road. He is so good and will hold each of you up when you yourself cannot even stand!
This is such a beautiful post Debbie! You were given the perfect words to speak and verses to accompany!
God Bless
hugs and many kisses
Donna

Low Tide High Style said...

Deb, my heart goes out to Brandon, his father, and grandmother, and both your family and Susan's family! We never really know why things like this happen or how they shape the people we will become, but my prayer is that he will always feel the love his mother gave him. At sixteen you should be worrying about homecoming dates, getting your license, and high school grades, not the loss of your mother. I hope he will lean on you all during this difficult time and look for the signs that his mother continues to watch over him each and every day!

Kat

outjunking said...

You all sound like such a close knit family,and in that there is strength. Prayers for all of you.
Lisa

Prior said...

so sorry, Lezlee

time worn interiors said...

I'm so sorry about the accident! It chilled me to the bone when you told me about it in Texas!

Girl we had a blast that night at Scotty and Friends! Hope we can do it again next time!

We just got home late last night and It was so good to be here!

tot

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

So sorry to hear this. I will keep Brandon and the family in my prayers.
hugs~~~ Daphne

Laura said...

Dearest Deb-
Prayers are going up this very minute.
What a wonderful young man-
and you are so right-
it is ALL about family, isn't it?

LB

WhisperWood Cottage said...

Hugs and prayers from the north, my dear friend.

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

Oh my...so, so sorry to hear this Deb. Sending my prayers to you all and keeping you close in my thoughts. Hugging my family a little tighter today.

Rebecca said...

Dearest, I am sending my love and prayers to you and your precious family. It is hard sometimes to understand the Lord's timing but know He is full of mercy and will wrap your family in His love and grace.
Blessings and love
Rebecca

The Green Pea said...

May the Lord comfort all of you. I will continue to pray for Brandon and all of his family. What beautiful scriptures you selected. Love to all of you. sandi

LuLu Kellogg said...

ALL of you are in my prayers. I have been away for a bit and am trying to catch up today so I am sending you all the love I have and then some.

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo

Pam @ Frippery said...

Oh Debbie, How sad. I will pray for Brandon and his grandmother and for all of you. What a beautiful tribute post to his mother.
Love, Pam

Lisa said...

Deb,
Oh honey, I came to hear about the party & read about y'alls RT antics but instead saw this post.
I wish I could wrap my arms around that boy & take some of that grief away, but that's impossible. I remember when I was young my worst nightmare was losing my parents, they are our touch stones when young. How fortunate the officers who came were so sensitive, what a horrible job they had. I will pray for Brandon, susan's mom & the rest of the family. He is lucky to have such loving people surrounding him now. Tremendous insight to think of his mother dying doing something she loved. There is something to be said for that.
Glad you & Danny are home safe. Talk to you soon.
Lisa

Miss Gracie's House said...

Oh Debbie,
I am so sorry to hear this...the verses you quoted are so comforting, are they not? I will pray for this young man and the grandmother, too. Your family will have such an opportunity to comfort and encourage.
Rene

Unknown said...

Tell Brendon that people that he doesn't know, all over the country are praying for him! Thank God he has strong, loving family around him to help him (& each other) through this!

Punkiesplace said...

Sending prayers from Punkieville!!!

the old white house said...

prayers said. t. xoxoxoxo

Shabby Vintage Junk said...

Oh Deb I'm so sorry....My thoughts are with young Brandon as he begins to navigate this world without the guidance of his Mum....Thank HEAVENS he has all of you by his side....!!!!!

Tamarah xx