October 2, 1999 and the days following are days that will always be engraved in my mind as some of the hardest days of my life. Our family received shocking news that completely changed our lives and our family. The news that my oldest sister Bonnie, and her husband, Sandy, were in a car accident and had both been killed instantly. Surely this can’t be happening to us...it’s always someone else that you hear about, but this time, it wasn’t someone else, it was us.

I remember so well, I had moved to Arkansas the day before, to spend the next year working at Hillcrest Home. Everything was new…new faces, new surroundings, a new adventure. I remember hearing my name paged across the intercom to come to the office. “Me…What had I done already that I get called to the Directors office?” My brother and his girlfriend were close by at a reunion. They arrived soon after I received the news and then the shock turned towards reality…yes they were gone.

The rest of my family was here and there as well…my dad returning from a meeting in Northwestern Ontario. My mom and sister had gone to the airport to meet him and as they came out, they were met by my aunt, uncle, pastor and his wife. They knew instantly that something was wrong. My other sister was at home working in the yard, just a normal Saturday.

I’m not writing to receive pity and sympathy, instead I want to give tribute to two people who touched my life and impacted me in so many ways. Not only my life, but the lives of many, many people. Bonnie being my oldest sister, was a role model to me, someone I looked up to in many ways. She was a hero, a sister, but most of all my close friend. Her and Sandy left behind a legacy that lives on today. Their love and care for people…a kind word, a loving smile, and taking time to encourage others. They truly lived joy filled lives!

As I reflect on their lives and the impact they left on us…I am reminded of the many people that were touched, and the many commitments and recommitments to Christ that were made because of their sudden deaths. Maybe you were one of them. If so, take time to reflect on that commitment…where are you at today? Did good come out of their deaths, yes, I truly believe God used their deaths for His greatest glory. If for no one else, it changed my life. It taught me so much about God and His love and His faithfulness to us.

I also want to challenge you…life here on this earth is so temporal. We are not promised tomorrow. However, we are promised eternal life if we accept Jesus Christ into our lives. They never had time to give any final words to their children, Trent, Anthony and Holly. No good-byes, no hugs, no phone calls to say they were leaving. God called them so quickly, at least in our minds, but it was His plan for them all along. He knew the exact day and minute that they were to go home. And He knows the exact time when it will be your time to go. Are you ready for that time? Am I living each minute as if it is my last here on earth?...it could be! Today, tell your family and friends that you love them. Mend the broken relationships…it’s not worth holding grudges and bitter feelings. Live life so you will have no regrets.

Is God still good in the midst of our pain? Absolutely. Has life ever been normal again? Not the normal we knew before…we had to find a new normal. We will never understand why God took them at a young age, at the prime of their lives. There are times I ask God why, but I have to trust Him and know His ways are best.

“When we don’t understand, when we can’t feel His hand,
when we can’t trace His plan, TRUST his heart.”

- To Trent, Anthony & Holly...my heart goes out to you. Keep seeking Jesus. I know that would be your mom and dad’s greatest desire for your lives. I love you dearly!

- To all of our family and friends who have cared for us and walked with us through this journey of pain…thank you! We love you!

-To the Martin family and my family...may you feel God’s arms of comfort holding you close today!

May God alone be glorified, because it’s only through His strength that we can keep going.

-Beverly

I WILL LIFT MY EYES
By Bebo Norman


God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now
God, be near calm my fear and take my doubt
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in

I will lift my eyes to the Maker
of the mountains I can't climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You

God, my God, let mercy sing
her melody over me
and God, right here all I bring
is all of me
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in


I will lift my eyes to the Maker
of the mountains I can't climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You


'Cause You are and You were and You will be forever
the Lover I need to save me
'Cause You fashioned the earth and You hold it together, God
so hold me now

I will lift my eyes to the Maker
of the mountains I can't climb
I will lift my eyes to the Calmer
of the oceans raging wild
I will lift my eyes to the Healer
of the hurt I hold inside
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You

God, my God, I cry out
Your beloved needs You now