[Virginia Therese]

I have not posted here for a very long time, but that does not mean that I haven't visited almost every single day...just to keep updated on all of you. Many..if not most...probably don't even remember me in that I wasn't a frequent "poster"...just would "jump in" if/when I felt that I could be helpful. You may or may not recall that I do not have PD, but I am the care person to one who is, Doreen.

My reason for posting today is to share with you...a community of caring people..whether it be PD-related or otherwise...that my 26-year-old granddaughter was killed in a horrific auto accident two weeks ago. I seem to need to share this with anyone I feel might care...and it occurred to me that there could be no better place to find this caring than on this forum. Lindsay (my granddaughter) was a beautiful young woman..both outwardly and inwardly...had a bright future before her...so much to give to others. Right now, it is my daughter Kim (Lindsay's mom) who most concerns me. She planned a beautiful memorial for Lindsay...she wanted it to be a celebration of Lindsay's life rather than a commemoration of her death...and she certainly accomplished that so well. Approximately 300 people attended the memorial..."celebration" which for me was testimony to the fact that my daughter and her family have given much to others. There couldn't have been a more overwhelming outpouring of love, compassion and caring than I witnessed with my own eyes...but, now that everyone has "gone", there has come the "down time" for my daughter...being alone with her own thoughts and memories...going through Lindsay's belongings, etc...just a very difficult time for her. Kim is an extremely strong human being. She has had so many trials in her life...and she has emerged the strong person that she has because of these trials...but, I believe there is a limit to one's strength and courage...that this could be a "breaking point" for her...and so, I ask all of you to keep Kim in your thoughts...prayers, too, if this is something that you do. She has told me that this most certainly has been the most difficult test that God has given her. I just pray that she will be able to endure...that at least some healing will take place as time passes...although, I am of the conviction that a true healing doesn't take place, but rather, an acceptance of what is.

Thank you all for "listening" to me...and please know, again, that I am right here with you almost every day.

Therese

[Curious]

therese, i am so very sorry for your loss.

you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

[chasmo]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. there are no words..........

Charlie

[olsen]

Therese, you and your family are in my prayers. May you and your family find Peace. madelyn

[lou_lou]

I am so sorry to hear about this, peace to you and your family -
you are in my thoughts -

[indigogo]

Therese, my heart is breaking for you and your daughter. There is no one in the world who is more dear to me than my own 19 year old daughter. I cannot imagine your pain; I hope your family will find peace finally in the memories of her life. To love so deeply is a risky business; the pain of her absence a reflection of that love. Keep loving ~ Carey

[paula_w]

I just complained in another thread - and then read this. I can feel your pain almost physically. My sympathies are extended to your family. This is a pain that no one should have to suffer.

paula

[Howardh]

love like a mother has for her child.....profound words from Celine Dion's "Goodbye" My sister had a loss of similar proportions 3 years ago when she lost her eldest boy (age 24) in tragic circumstances. The grief for her cannot possibly be described but it was real and ongoing.

Charlie said it best......there are no words.........

[Chicory]

Therese-
I will be praying for you and your daughter.

[Jaye]

Oh, my. That which all parents fear most has come to pass. Life splits into "before" and "after." Faith can be destroyed or strengthened. The worst time is when everyone goes home. Maybe a family member or friend could stay with Kim for a few days or so. Just their presence can be a prayer for peace.

A point of theology, if I'm not sticking my nose in too far--and this is not to persuade anyone but for myself as a reaction to the horror of the situation-- I truly don't believe God goes around pointing cars at people. I believe accidents are caused by human error, potentially from the construction of the road to what the driver had for breakfast, and thus forgivable. I believe that God suffers with the grieving parties and comforts them, and that God will turn every situation to some good, however small or great, whether we know what that good is or not.

We do know that comfort comes through other people because they care. Thank you for posting, Therese. God's peace be with your family.

Jaye