Tuesday, November 23, 2010

my cousin, and my nephew

My cousin, Sandra {my father's side}, arrived Friday night, 11/19/10, and we had a really good time together. Here in this photo, she's a little closer to critters than she prefers, Sandra has always been the prissy, big-city type. She said the only culture shock though was when she didn't have to pay cash in advance for gas in her car.

Sunday night, she got very emotional being around Mike's family - the joy of a big family around a Thanksgiving meal.

******************************************************
Here is my nephew, Jeremy {Mike's side} as he is being escorted last night by sheriff officers. Jeremy took care of our animals and drove the freight truck for Mike when we went to goat shows. He helped us a lot with projects around the farm.
http://www2.mountaintimes.com/watauga_democrat/Two_dead_after_Zionville_shooting_id_004203

I can't put into words how I feel, sorta like I can't fully breathe. I'm at the office today - trying to put one foot in front of another so-to-speak. .

Heather was the mother of Jeremy's two children, they never married. Heather and Jeremy were very young when they met and their relationship was always off and on. Recently, Heather had starting dating another man, and apparently Jeremy just couldn't handle the other man around Heather and his children.

All of Mike's family is terribly heartbroken. Last night, as we were gathered around, Mary, my mother-inlaw, as she was wiping away tears, said "I want to call Jolene {Heather's mother} but I just don't know what to say.

11 comments:

Tammy said...

Oh Joanne,
I am so, so sorry for all involved. We went through something similar in my family years back (although no one was killed), when someone in the family just did something so out of character (and against the law). We all were numb with shock and grief and it was a horrible time while they were incarcerated. The only consolation was that nobody was killed, so I know that this is utterly devastating to you and yours. Take care (hug a few goats)-- you and your family will be in my prayers.

Nekkid Chicken said...

Gosh Joanne,

I am so sorry honey. No words I can say can express my sorrow for your family's loss. )))HUGS(((

Mal
keeping you in my prayers

Louise said...

Oh my gosh, Joanne! I don't know what to say except that I am very sorry. Tragedy like this tests the meddle of a family. I will pray for strength for all of you involved.

Mahala said...

Joanna...I sent you an email message last night, but your blog today gives me reason to send another. I think it is wonderful that the big family was together on Sunday, and maybe the memories of all that love and closeness will dull some of the pain of Monday's events.
Take care, Joanna...you are exactly right: one foot in front of the other, one day at a time.
Mahala

Dot said...

Wish I could give you a big hug right now Joanna. We all have terrible pain in our lives & believe me, somehow you get through it. Remember you have friends & family who love you very much. Please let us know if we can help.

Alison said...

Joanna, I feel for you. What a tragedy for everyone. Keep breathing, keep breathing...and go spend some time with your critters tonight!

DebH said...

I am so sorry Joanne,
I feel for you and hope that you can find the time to take care of you. I know you must be feeling so much pain watching the ones you care about go through this too..please know I am praying for you and all yours.

Mom L said...

Dearest Joanne, I just didn't know how to express my thoughts for you when I first read this. I know today will be a really tough one for you and your family, but I hope you are able to pull together and find something to be thankful for. These things hurt deeply and affect everyone, and only time can ease the pain.

Prayers are with you.

Nancy

Paula said...

We are so sorry for you, Mike and all family. Life can be so shockingly sad. We have also experienced tragic loss through violence. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.

Nancy K. said...

My heart goes out to you and Mike and your family. I hope you're able to find comfort in each other and work your way through ~ and then past ~ this horrible time.

Unknown said...

this is so sad my heart goes out to all the familys ..danile and nora will be in my prays ... and for the wilcoxs my heart goes out for you also ...