Amish Children Drown In Kentucky Creek
By now most of the country knows about the 4 Amish children killed in Kentucky this week when their parent’s buggy overturned in a swollen creek. The tiny creek is most often nothing but a trickle, but the storm gave it too much power for a horse drawn buggy to handle. The family of nine had gone to make a phone call and were on their way home when the accident happened. Of the four children who were killed, three were siblings and the other one was a cousin.
How my heart aches for this family and for their community.
I don’t know this family personally, but if I did I wondered what anyone could say to them that would offer comfort? The story of Job came to mind.
Three of Job’s friends were Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. When they heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him. 12When they saw Job from a distance, they scarcely recognized him. Wailing loudly, they tore their robes and threw dust into the air over their heads to demonstrate their grief. 13Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. And no one said a word, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words. (from Job 2)
Saying the wrong thing to someone who is hurting can serve to make the pain worse. I remember when my mother died a lady came to the visitation and asked me why the casket was closed. I know she didn’t mean to add to my heartache, but she did.
Sometimes just holding someone’s hand, or sitting close to them and listening (if they want to talk) is more of a comfort than words.
Sometimes the right thing to say is nothing at all.
I woulk like to make it better for you. I would want for your pain and grief to go away and not have been therre in the first place. Love and warm feeling are coming at you from all over our nation. Know that those little ones had the best life that God willed for them. They are blessed. May the Lord bless you with peace and tranquility. He holds you like a lamb in his arms. I know some of your family in Ohio. You are loved.
S. Riemenschneider
How sad. When my brother passed away at 34, people didn’t know what to say. Many tried to say things they thought were encouraging, but often times they fell flat. The best thing anyone said to me was a friend who said, “I don’t know what to say, but I love you and I am here for you,” and then she gave me a hug. That was honest, sincere, and most comforting.
We were very saddened at the tragedy of this Amish family too. Living just across the Kentucky, Tn. border we see the Amish everywhere, traveling by buggy and tractor. We enjoy buying their goods too. They are in our prayers.