Aunt Debbie and Uncle Mike

A lot to grieve, and more to celebrate.

I’ve thought much about how encounters with the things of God happen in unexpected places, and probably happen a lot more often than what I grew up realizing. It’s that song that resonates so deeply within your soul that you get that lump in your throat every time you listen to it. Or the sun peeking across your lawn with a warm glow lighting up the oranges, yellows, and greens of the trees. All the giggles from your kids and their friends as they race around the yard at a late-night summer sleepover. How the steam from your coffee slowly rises from your cup, playing its part in a serene morning. I am guessing that noticing these things more and more comes with old age, or an intentional slowing down, or maybe a little bit of both.

They’re all sacred.

While I’m learning to see this in small spaces, it was easy to recognize that in time spent with my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Mike. Twice they made detours on trips to visit us here in Columbus, OH, all the way from their home in Texas. They came on a Sunday once to our new church and dealt with probably-too-loud music, yet still were encouraging. Most recently they visited us in August, just a few months ago. Jessica and I met them over lunch at one of our favorite breweries. I ordered my favorite, a Columbus IPA, and when Uncle Mike put his drink order in, he said “Well I am in Ohio, so I think I need the Ohio Light.” It was special to have people we loved in our world. And it was fun to enjoy beers and lunch together. We talked about our family and their family. We showed each other highlights from our photo reels. They gave us three gift cards to Dick’s Sporting Goods for the boys because they knew how much they love that store. I heard about their church and we got to share about ours. We compared cars and we heard how Mike loves the style of wheels on all of the newer electric cars. We filled our stomachs with food and drink, and simply took our time together. It was a moment with loved ones, and I’m so incredibly grateful for that day.

It was sacred.

Last week, as they were driving home from Las Vegas after celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary, my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Mike were involved in a horrific multi-vehicle accident, and both tragically lost their lives. I am so thankful for the parts of my life that have been marked by both of them. From the memory I’ve shared, to borrowing Uncle Mike’s trumpet for my one-year stint in the band (and more recently them sharing that same trumpet with Jude, my oldest), to catching the same joy in Aunt Debbie’s laugh that I remember in my grandmother’s, to all the moments in time that hold Aunt Debbie and Uncle Mike in them.

We will be celebrating their lives on October 29, at Hunter’s Glen Baptist Church in Plano, TX. The reception is at 10:00 am followed by the service at 11:30 am. Thanks for the outpouring of love and support to our family, and continue to keep us close in your thoughts and deep in your prayers.