I am thinking about the afternoon of sixteen years ago. I was working as a teacher at a preschool. It was naptime for the little ones. I looked out to the parking lot and was delighted to see a police friend of mine I had not seen for several years.
It turned out that he was off duty that day. He was out in his back yard playing ball with his kids when they asked him what all the sirens were for. He called in to the police station to find out they could use his help at a very serious accident on 291 in Lee's Summit.
He went to help and soon realized that the young man killed on his bicycle was my son. He left the scene and came straight to my work to tell me about it.
It turned out that that same day the Police Chaplain was not available to come with him. He asked if I would need the chaplain who was off duty. I, of course, had my own pastor but had requested he be sent to my husband's work to give him the news. It turned out that the chaplain not on duty was a very dear friend of ours and I knew he lived just a few blocks from my work! He came immediately!
Today as I am recalling that horrible day sixteen years ago I am also recalling My God! He takes care of all the intricate details. Two people, off duty, available to take care of me in the throes of the worst news I had ever had to deal with!!! I would not have wanted any other policeman other than my friend to give me that news. The chaplain was very much involved in our life and I could not have wanted things to be any different than for him to come and be with me while our pastor went to take care of Gary. (Thank-you Mike Buettner!)
Some people may call it coincidence, but I know, that I know, that I know, my Heavenly Father was a part of all the details. It has been sixteen years, but I still feel His Comfort in the throes of tough emotions. I can look back at just this little part of the puzzle and realize He is a God of details and shows His Love in the most amazing ways.
I still miss Bryan very much. I still have my times of wishing I could be a part of his life as a husband and dad. He loved children! I still wish he could be a part of our holidays. I still do not like January 28! However, I do have a lot to be grateful for and know we will all rejoice in an eternity planned for each of us....Bryan just got an earlier start than the rest of us!
I miss you Bryan Michael Collins!
11 comments:
Thank you for sharing Joyce. I don't think I've ever heard this part of the story before. It's amazing to look back and see God moving in the little details. I wish I could have known him better. I'm sure he was as amazing as the rest of your family!
Brook, you were an important part of the ministry after the funeral! Thank you so much for all the investment you made in my life and the life of our Bryan Buddies!
Things we remember. God is always on time. I am thankful that the Lord put us together in His tapestry of life. Blessings on this day of memories.
Mike! You are a true blessing!
Joyce, you blessed me with your post. I am so sorry for your loss and the milestone that Jan 28 represents. Praying for you and your family today! Love, LeEtta
Thank you so much LeEtta!
I'm so sorry for your loss. Even though it has been 16 years, being a mother, I'm sure the feeling of loss is still there. My prayers are with you. You have such a wonderfu testimony through it all. May God Bless you. Mary G.
I'm sorry, Joyce, I misspoke. I said 16 years, but when I went back I saw it had actually been 25 years. Mary G.
I had just gotten back home from Florida and was told the news that day! My heart sunk! 🥺 It broke for you and the family! He was such a fun person and will be remembered always! 🫶
Thank You 💗
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