Tragic Loss

On Monday July 6, 2009, Farin Lambert was killed in a motorcycle wreck. She and I weren't close friends, but she was one of those people that you don't forget. We went to high school together and knew each other. I ran into her a few months ago and we caught up. She had the most contagious, ever-present smile. Cody and I were going to meet up with her and her boyfriend one night but I ended up getting a stomach ache from one of our questionable Mexican restaurants. As she and I were texting back and forth, I told Cody how disappointed I was since she was so refreshing to be around. That was the last time I "talked" to her.

Her funeral was yesterday. When I woke up, I had the worst feeling of dread. The only other funeral I have dreaded so much was my mother's. The actual funeral was very nice. Her old soccer teammates from Bethel told stories about her. I think everyone there was like, "I can see her doing that!!" She was a truly wonderful, genuine person. If you ever met her, I'm sure you remember that smile and those blue eyes.

My heart aches so badly for her family. Her mother has always stood out to me. She has been through a great deal, yet has held her head up and taken care of her children. As she talked with sympathizers yesterday, I couldn't help but be in awe of how beautifully strong she was. There was pain and strength in her face at the same time.

For those that don't know, Farin's boyfriend, Tony, was driving the motorcycle. He is just banged up (physically). The last time I saw her was the first time I met Tony. He struck me as very goofy/funny. What also struck me was how he looked at Farin and acted toward her....it was very sweet. The next time I saw him was when he walked in the sanctuary just before the funeral. The look on his face then was absolutely gut-wrenching. I believe that is the most pained look I have ever seen. I can't begin to imagine the turmoil he is going through, but I can only pray that God grants him peace soon.

In the past few weeks, we have had 6 people who have touched our lives or the lives of our friends pass away, most unexpectedly. It makes me realize that life is too short to take things for granted. Please, friends, be careful.....I love you all.