This past weekend I did some real estate photos for an agent friend of mine. Prior to arriving to the beautiful home, I was given the owners names but didnt know them....or so I thought. It truly amazes me how God always puts into my lap, mind, spirit, EXACTLY what I need...when I need it. In more ways than I can express. I arrive to the sprawling home nestled on 10 acres and knock on the door. The female home owner comes to the door and before she even opens it I know her! She is from a local medical field office and she cared for Rayna and I. Not seeing her in years I yelled her name, reached out my arms to hug her and tell her Its Wendy Rison! As soon as it all sinks in she runs to me and hugs me! While chatting in her living room, we were talking about Rayna, her up coming case, our feelings and God. She made me realize more in that couple minute convo than she will ever realize. One thing being this....lets see if I can put into words what my heart is feeling.... I have always accredited the community for their unconditional support for our family. Its true...without so much love and care I am not sure where we would be. Rayna was my sister but the communitys friend, fellow classmate, cousin, daughter, and leader. With our unfortunate tragedy we learned so much about ourselves and our community as a whole. Loosing Rayna prepared this community for other such losses, including those who didnt know her personally. Because it seems that if you didnt know her...someone you know did. I personally do not know Jake Wests family. Maybe some day our paths will cross and we do meet. However, there isnt a day that goes by that I dont think of them and especially his sister. I believe our community due to our tragic loss was stronger for them, to help them along, because of what we endured in loosing Rayna. I proudly sport my orange ribbon that now represents two young lives gone before their time, but their legacys are still living on, Raynas scholarship and the Play for Jake Foundation. People have asked if I was offended that his family choose Raynas orange color. ABSOLUTELY NOT! It wasnt hers to begin with. It was chosen due to the schools colors. It represents both of them in my eyes...and loosing them shouldnt be a competition as to who it represents. I have been asked if it was for Jake and I say yes...and Rayna who is my sister. I believe this community was made stronger due to a tragedy that happened 20+ years ago, to be able to help others. We have come a long way La Porte. We still have a ways to go before the finish line in this case, but keeping strong together makes us all stronger in the long run. And something that just came to mind while writing this is that those that were here and walked that journey, some have moved on to other communities. We have branched out and blossomed...from our small town to whatever town you live in now. You are making a difference in the world and the world around you. You may have not even thought of that! I didnt until just now. Thank you again for all you have done over the years for our family. We truly can not THANK YOU enough. PS....sorry for the LONG post! :)
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 14:41:52 +0000
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