Christmas morning ... after the children had been put to sleep
... the presents wrapped and the final trimmings made, the Hirsch's,
Todd and Debbie retired to their bed around 1:30 in the morning.
These are special friends ... Debbie worked with the Missionettes and taught Sunday school
Todd did work for the church ... one would feel as though "Christmas" would be met with perfection
for this young couple with 4 children, Kayliann, 10 yrs old
(nicknamed Christmas Angel)
and an outstanding soccer player
... younger brother Gregory, 9 yrs old
( a student of mine in Sunday school)
who recited the Books of the Bible in order
... forward and backward!
Amanda, 7 yrs. old, so beautiful and a "Prims" in Missionette's ...
and baby brother, Trevor, ... the last consideration would have been that of disaster...
yet flames raced thru their home as they lay sleeping approximately at 4:00am
Todd awoke and got Debbie and the baby to safety
and returned to the flames to rescue his other children
... but an agony
and growing fear consumed Debbie
as she didn't see him return ...
[There are no pleasant words or creative writing for this writer] ...
Our friends lives were being devastated ... Todd and Greg
died there at home, Amanda died shortly after arriving at the hospital ...
but in this tragedy, there remained "HOPE" as Kayliann lay in a coma fighting for her life
we prayed together, holding hands as if to reach out to grab her from the grasp of death
what saddness I felt when I was finally able to go in and see her
... I cried, because I had never seen Kayliann quite like I did that morning!
She fought for 5 days before God claimed another of his children
We are grieved and saddened ...
but we must direct our comfort and love to Debbie and Trevor
...God remains full of Grace and love and mercy ... may you continue to pray!
But above all things put on love.
which is the bond of perfection, 15
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts,
to which also you were called in one body;
and be thankful.16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly
in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,
singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17
And whatever you do in word or deed,
do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to GOD the Father through Him.