Precious Memories

We received the sad news this morning that our wonderful Adam Vermillion was killed in a car accident last night. Adam and Jesse had been friends since Jesse's sophomore year of high school and he was such a wonderful friend throughout the years. He became part of the Hanks family "unofficially" when Lindsay, Jesse's sister, had Ady, our niece. (However, if you ask Jesse, Nelle or anyone else, they will tell you he's always been an honorary member of the family.) He doted on his daughter and spent time with her and was an active, attentive father. When Lindsay called this morning to tell us, we were so shocked,completely devasted and frustrated to be so far away while the people we love are hurting so much. I can't imagine how Adam's family is feeling right now, but I pray they are able to lean on the Lord as their strength.

This has been a day of memories and reflection for me and Jesse. We've spent a lot of time talking about Adam and Jesse has been telling me stories all day. Everything from the first day they met to talking about spending time with him before our wedding. I am so thankful for the friendship that existed between Jesse and Adam and the wonderful memories that Jesse is able to share with me. My heart is broken for Ady, but I know she will always know how much her daddy loved her and how he doted on her. And we will all have stories that she will grow up hearing and know the truly wonderful person he was.

My mom has always said, "We wouldn't feel so much hurt when we lose people if we didn't love them so much while we had them. It's worth the hurt to have the wonderful memories and love in our hearts." I believe that God has a plan for all our lives and has set us out for specific purposes. We may never know what God's purpose was for Adam, but if it was to bring that sweet baby girl to our lives and make her into such a wonderful little girl or to be a great son, friend and shoulder to so many who loved him...mission accomplished and well done. In an odd way, I am thankful that there is pain because that means that there was such sweetness in the time we had with him.

God bless you, Adam. Thank you for welcoming me and being accepting of me and making me feel like a sister from the moment I first met you. You blessed us all.