UNBELIEVABLE is the only word I can think of to say in regard to the tragic drownings of 6 teens Tuesday just blocks from my house in the Red River here in Shreveport, Louisiana. Having just gone through the shooting death of my youngest son Jake, I can only speculate on the pain of losing three children at once. Six kids, two families. Each family lost threee children at once. To help offset some of the expenses the Shreveport Federal Credit Union has set up 2 accounts to help the families and they are matching the donations dollar for dollar.
I am printing some of the article in today's paper in case anyone wishes to give something to help.
(exerpt from The Times; Shreveport, LA. 08/04/2010)
"We are opening each account with $1,500 and will match all donations, dollar for dollar," Shreveport Federal Credit Union President/CEO Helen Godfrey-Smith said in a news release from the city of Shreveport.
Three brothers — Litrelle Stewart, 18, Latevin Stewart, 15 and LaDarius Stewart, 17 — along with siblings — Takeitha Warner, 13, JaMarcus Warner, 14 and JaTavious Warner, 17 — were wading in the river when they stepped over a dropoff.
"We want the Warner and Stewart families to know that they are not alone in their time of need," Godfrey-Smith said.
The routing number for Shreveport Federal Credit Union is 311175860.
n Community Support for the Warner Family: #76969000
n Community Support for the Stewart Family: #76970007
"The outpouring of care and compassion for these grieving families is indicative of the great human spirit of not only this city, but the entire country," Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover said in the release. "We have received calls from as far away as Florida, California, Georgia and Illinois, asking for a way to assist the families. I commend Mrs. Godfrey-Smith and her staff, and I am truly grateful for this act of compassion that will never be forgotten."
My son Buddy leaves this morning to go back home to Mobile and I will miss him so much but he has a family and needs to get back. He and I went to Jakes grave yesterday and did a little cleaning up and put out new flowers. I took some pictures and will write about it later this week.
Wow what a hot, hot summer. Please stay cool and hydrated. My hubby has to work much of the day in this scorching and dangerous heat. Love you all! mizmollye and punkin too.
Oh mismollye, MY heart is breaking for these families! I cannot imagine what they are going thru. My husband was in an accident in March where two children from the same family were killed! THEIR ONLY two children:( We went thru so much after this and it just breaks my heart for them. It wasn't his fault but it still was extremely hard on his heart! Big hugs to you my friend, safe travels to Buddy and prayers for the families of these teenagers who lost their lives! Have a blessed day!
ReplyDeleteWhen I heard this on the news and that it happened in Shreveport, I thought of you, Mollye, but I certainly didn't know it was so near to your home. Sad, indeed.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you and Buddy had a good visit.
This is so sad Mollye.
ReplyDeleteTragic loss of young lives.
Families with their hearts torn out.
I know the sting of your loss is so fresh Mollye.
I remember you in my prayers every day...
I'm glad you and Buddy had a good visit...
Take care of you and punkin...
~victoria~
I am in Pennsylvania & we lived for several years on the banks of the Susquehanna River & I know that a river is something you should NEVER take for granted. The bottom changes all the time. What was a gradual drop-off one year may end up being a sink-hole the next......
ReplyDeleteWords can't express the sympathy I feel for these families! Prayers lifted up for them.
Love,
Mariyln
My heart and prayers go out to the families of those children. What a tragic, tragic loss!
ReplyDeleteI heard about this tragedy my friend. My heart is heavy over the loss of those lovely children. Prayers to you, the family, the entire community.
ReplyDeleteLove to you~
Rebecca
This is terrible. I can just imagine what their families are going through. I will keep them in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHow sad to loose 3 of your children at one time. Tragic!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness - need a deep breathe here. That was so sad.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your son has to go home too.
Sandie
Oh no, oh no. I can't even begin to imagine the pain. Those poor families! What can a person even think to say at such a time?
ReplyDeleteCleaning Jake's grave...Yes. It puts me in mind of cleaning my grandson's grave, leaving a new toy for him, weeding the flower beds nearby. It was therapeutic, in some way. I hope you and Buddy found some small comfort there, too.
I'm sorry Buddy has to leave, too!
And I love you so much. How is that possible, when we've never met? And is that a dumb thing to write here?
mollye, i'm praying for those families. and the community as well. i know what it's like having such a tragedy in your own backyard (fort hood shootings/luby's mass killings)... knowing the families, friends of those lost. the entire community grieves: and we grieve with you.
ReplyDeletelove, hugs and lots of prayers for peace and comfort as you all try to sort through this horrific experience.
terry lee
OH!!! Jesus please touch them right this very moment .Please cover and comfort them with the wings of your angels. Holy Spirit fall upon them and make yourself known to them. In Jesus name. I pray this for you, Miss Mollye,too.
ReplyDeleteDottie
What a tragic story. I will keep them in my prayers. I can't imagine their loss and pain.
ReplyDeleteOh my sweet friend I heard about the drownings last night on the news...I can't imagine their pain...I will see what I can do to help...it's 100 here today, and air is thick with the humitidy...My hubby is out in this heat too. sending much love and hugs Mollye
ReplyDeleteWhat appalling news, and what can I say? Unbelievable the amount of suffering sometimes. My heart goes out to these poor families. Love you Mollye. Susie xxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteI too heard about the drownings and had no idea they were so close to you. They go down on my prayer list for sure. I have been sluggy like a lug for the last few days and realized I suddenly missed you. I feel like I will never round all my friendly bloggers again, just hope they think to see my name somewhere else and stop by. Love you gal and so sorry Buddy has to leave but that is life. Blessings
ReplyDeleteQMM
My heart just breaks for these families. I can not even begin to imagine the pain. I am so sad.I just need to remind myself that I can not get by without the Lord. Why tragedy happens I do not know but I know He is still there and He does care. I hope you stay cool and well hydrated. It is awful hot here and the rain makes the air heavier. Take care sweet friend. Anne
ReplyDeleteI saw this on CNN and the tears came quickly to my eyes......so much pain for these families.
ReplyDeleteHope you are well........:-) Hugs
Dear sweet Mollye, oh I had read about those children but I had no clue it happened so close to you..what a tragedy for the whole town but I cannot even fathom what it must feel like to lose so many in one or two families...what was supposed to be a fun day turned out so tragic. I ready that none of them were able to swim..so sad..my prayers for them and their grieving families..
ReplyDeleteMollye, I am so glad that Buddy got to visit with you for a short time. I am always so happy when my boys can come visit for any amount of time..Never take it for granted that is for sure..and glad he was able to go to Jake's grave and tend it with you..that is a special time.
Prayers for your sweet hubby out working in this heat..I don't know how they do it..My hubs did it for many years..its just what they 'do'.
hugs xo
Barb