so we have been lost in the thanksgiving whirlwind for about 4 days now, kind of oblivious to the outside world. haven't watched the news, haven't read a newspaper. we had a great time, plenty of food and more than plenty of people. lots and lots to be thankful for. there are many blessings to be found in a big family.

so we got somewhat back to normal last night. nobody spent the night, and the kids actually went to bed before 10 pm. we got up this morning and went to church.

as soon as i stepped into my pew, i felt it. something strange in my gut, and my heart kind of fell. i didn't know what exactly, but i did feel that something was wrong. i began to look around, and at first glance nothing was out of the ordinary. i prayed a little and then looked again. there, across the aisle. a neighbor was quietly crying. and behind me, a mother and her daughter clinging to one another, sobbing. people with somber faces and red eyes began filling in the pews, and my heart began to pound. what was wrong?? what tragic event must have happened while we were out of town?

our priest began to speak from the altar, with a shaky, tear-choked voice. he said "as we gather this morning in rememberance of someone very dear to us..."

i don't know how, but i knew instinctively that a child had passed away. only a child's death can evoke the kind of FEELING that fell on our church this morning. i still didn't know who, or how, or when, but my eyes filled with tears and i could hardly stop them from falling. i hugged my big boys tight, and whispered to my husband "i think it was a child..."

eventually, his name was spoken, with blessings for his family--including a sister in my oldest son's kindergarten class. i sat there thinking how in one night, with one stupid car accident, a family's life had completely changed. and would never be the same again. it was a very, very sad morning for this little community. my heart goes out to the boy's mother and father and to all the many relatives who live here.

to all of you who have children, hug them tight, right now. there is no reason to wait, ever.