Between the lines
Tragedy has struck our small community with sad news of a loved one’s death. The reporters were quickly on the scene trying to scoop one another with a breaking story. Pictures were printed in the paper of the helicopters taking off with the victims inside, and a picture of the wrecked car. So proud of their prowess in journalism hoping the three paragraphs of the story will get them some kind of accolades.
What is not included in the article below is the phone call the mother gets, as she listens in shock to the words that cannot be true. And how her body goes into shock trying to figure out why something like this would happen. Why now, why to her, why to me, why to this family? How her tears will soak her pillow tonight and many nights to come. The printing of the facts were very concise, as they do not wish to mistake any of the details, protecting themselves from any sort of libel suit, or slander, by printing misinformation.
I have seen reporters on television of other tragedies like this one, as they shove a microphone into the face of a distraught relative asking ridiculous questions like, “how do you feel?” Thinking only of the story they can get, and not the human lives they are systematically disrupting.
My heart broke when I heard the news, because I have been on the other end of the telephone when the message comes through that your child has lost their life in a traffic accident. Automatic reflexes take over because you can’t believe it’s really happening, you’re like a robot on autopilot. Friends and family gather around propping each other up, drying each other’s tears, and shaking their heads in disbelief. Food begins arriving by the truck load because friends feel so helpless and want to do something so desperately. It is a blessing in disguise because the family members can’t even think about cooking let alone eating, and the food keeps them functioning.
I can speak from experience that everything done by the people around us are appreciated if not acknowledged, until sanity returns. What I needed most during this time was prayer, for me, for my family, for my friends, and my loved ones. So I am asking any and all who read this to please pray for the families of the Sikoras, Krivaks, and Chamness, and their friends. The coming days, weeks, and yes even months are going to be very difficult, so please keep them on your prayer list for quite a time to come.
I have included one of the many three paragraph articles that appeared on the news, not for sensationalism, but for sympathy for the families whose hearts is broken.
A 17-year-old girl died in the hospital after a crash today at the intersection of C.R. 875 West and State Road 8, according to La Porte County police. A juvenile passenger in the car was also flown to Memorial Hospital in unknown condition.
The following release was issued Sunday night by the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office:
On Sunday, July 8th, 2018 at approximately 11:22 AM (CST), La Porte County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to a personal injury crash at the intersection of State Road 8 and CR 875 West. The crash investigation conducted by deputies determined a green 2007 Volkswagon passenger vehicle had been traveling north on CR 875 West. The passenger vehicle failed to yield to a 2014 Peterbilt semi-tractor that was traveling east on State Road 8. The semi-tractor struck the passenger vehicle in the intersection forcing it off the roadway and into a ditch.
Both occupants of the passenger vehicle were injured and transported via air ambulance to Memorial Hospital in South Bend, Indiana. Investigating deputies later learned the 17 year-old driver, Rhyann SIKORA, died at the hospital. The passenger of the vehicle, a juvenile, remains hospitalized. The driver of the semi-tractor was not injured. The occupants of the passenger vehicle and the semi-tractor were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash.
Sheriff’s Office Deputies were assisted at the scene by La Porte County EMS and the La Crosse Volunteer Fire Department.
WSBT 22
Read the Psalms 23
But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 19:14
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Psalms 34:18
He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.
Psalms 147:3
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.
Isaiah 40:11
Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 18:14
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
Deuteronomy 31:8