A Tragedy-Why?

Christmas Party 2010!

Today my heart is sad.  The world has lost a beautiful young woman because of the crime of drunk driving. My heart is breaking for her husband, family and friends. 

My husband and I taught with Christa during our year in St. Maarten. She worked in one of the grade 6 classes and because I was teaching grade 7 I learned so much about her from the young people in my class. She was energetic, bright, positive, sunny, warm, caring and beloved by the students. 

She married her soul mate Ryan. They had what looked like a fairy tale wedding in Scotland just about one year ago. They were always together, supporting one another, spending time in one another's classrooms, hiking and participating in many other adventurous activities. 

In June the young couple returned to Canada from the Caribbean, probably to be closer to their families in the northern Ontario town of Sault Ste. Marie. On Saturday Christa was riding her bicycle when she was hit by truck operated by a drunk driver. She was killed instantly. A beautiful life was cut short by the ignorant actions of someone else. 

How does a family cope? How do her friends and colleagues come to terms with such a tragedy? How will her husband carry on his life? Why Christa? Why now? Why?

Some questions will never be answered. In the meantime, we are left to grieve the loss of a wife, a daughter, a sister, a teacher, a friend and a beautiful loving person. Rest in peace dear Christa. May you continue to live in our hearts.

Memories are precious. 

Until next time, 

 
Bee Rich

Where Has this Week Gone?

         
          I checked my blog this evening and noticed that I have not written for over a week.  That is  long time...and so much has happened. Since last writing our family have had one leaving, five coming, and sadly, the death of our grand dog.

          The leaving was my brother-in-law.  He is feeling much better and decided to try to live on his own for awhile.  He had been here for just over six months.  He left here at the beginning of the March Break and is now living independently and closer to other family members and his friends. I am so happy for him that he feels well enough to be on his own and thankful to have had time to get to know him better.

          The five coming were our son, his wife, their son, their dog, and our daughter.  They arrived near the end of the March Break and we shared some precious family moments.  Some pictures were taken and memories made.  Our grandson is now eight months old and constantly on the move. Such a pleasure!  Our daughter's last visit home was five months ago, during the Canadian Thanksgiving.

           Dakota, a ten year old beagle belonging to my daughter-in-law, became very ill during the March Break.  After her visit to the lake, she returned home, and shortly thereafter, died peacefully.  It was heartbreaking for the whole family, but as my son's text said, "She is now in dog heaven and no longer in pain." 

          I am thankful for the time I have had with our family over the past few weeks. 

The Next Generations

Helping Out in the Kitchen!

Dakota- may she rest in peace.

Until next time,

Bee Rich