mourning a mother

early wednesday morning c and i  received an email from the director
of explorer letting us know a mother, whom they didn't name out of respect,
was killed in a tragic accident.

i learned late yesterday afternoon who the mother was.
she was melissa, a wonderful mother of 3 beautiful children.
this mother did it all - was heavily involved in the school, her community
and successful and respected in her workplace.     

though i didn't know her well, i had met her and 2 of her children.
finn was her son's 'reading buddy' last year and i picture his sweet face
right now.

the whole explorer community is heartbroken - teachers, parents, friends
and students...all of our hearts are pouring out to this family.

this article shares a teensy bit of melissa's life,
but doesn't come close to sharing the whole of this beautiful person.

as i sat on the edge of the boys' bed last night and kissed them goodnight,
i held them a little longer than usual.

with tears in my eyes, i felt a strange mix of gratitude that my children were
safe with me.  yet, i felt a horrible sadness and emptiness for the 3 young children
who weren't being held by their mother.

life is fragile.....so very fragile.