CLAY AND WATTLES

Precious People

It saddens a whole community when a tragedy occurs. Yesterday evening's serious vehicle accident in Parkin claimed two lives, left some injured, and all their families' lives changed forever.

We were at Colby's when Paul began to get calls about the accident at Parkin that claimed the lives of Sharon Forrester; and then later Mr. Eldon Waddell died as a result of his injuries.

Everyone felt close to Sharon and no doubt she touched every life in Wynne for many years as the Secretary to Assistant Principal at Wynne High School, and had just retired. We have known her and her family for many years and although our paths didn't often cross since our families are grown and since Paul had retired from teaching at the high school, there was a friendly connection every time we met them - she or Donnie, or their daughters Laura Beth and Susan. Sharon was always so upbeat and happy, laughing, whenever I would see her.

I saw Mr. Waddell at Mike's in Colt several weeks ago and talked to him, just chit-chat - had to have been before I broke my leg, as I've only been there once about two weeks ago and I didn't seen him then. He was always such a gentleman and Paul and I would see him at Mike's often. I'm sure Paul would see him more, being in Wynne. I feel so sad for Twila (Miller), his daughter and other family. Twila is in our Sunday School class.

Chester Williams suffered a broken hip; his grandson Cody is alright. Connie Brawner had a broken collar bone, collapsed lung, broken shoulder, bruised spleen, but will be okay. I haven't heard of injuries to Donnie, Sharon's husband, but I know his heart is broken.

We just don't know why things like this happen; we ask why, and I believe God is okay with our asking. At the same time He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all these families, immediate and extended. A community like Wynne, like other towns large and small, cares. What would we do without each other helping with the sorrow of others? What would we do without our Saviour, who knows all our sorrows?

We connect to people we don't even know, as well. I read one of my blogger friend's today and her husband passed away just Thursday from cancer. My prayers go out to her, also.