My niece was killed tonight

[Margies3]

Originally Posted by Scott Hutchinson

This is powerful as me and my sister come from a broken home ,I hardly ever see her and we are not close.
I occasionaly speak to her on the phone ,she lives in TN. and we hardly ever see each other.

Scott, Jamie (and her sister Jenna) are not my brother's biological children. Rin met their mother when Jamie was about 7 months old and they've been together ever since. Jenna was 2 at the time. Their biological father walked out on them and never looked back. Never contacted them in way, shape or form all these years. They've lived in the same house, the same town and they've never had their names changed. There's been no excuse for him to not contact these girls.

tonight he showed up at the funeral home and stayed the entire time. He was smart. He just stood back in the back of the room, didn't talk to anyone and kept quiet. He did tell Jenna he'd like to take her to supper sometime. Jenna just told him, "Whatever!" and walked away. Pray for her. She's lost her sister and she's angry at the biological father who shows up when it's too late. She's already telling everyone that that man is NOT her dad. She knows who her dad is. She knows who was there for all of her school activities, childhood illnesses, taught her to swim, to drive, to plant a garden, to hunt and everything else Rin taught those girls.

We told Rin that if the bio-father wanted to start anything, we would stand behind him while he told him "Thank you. Thank you for walking out and for letting me be the daddy. Thank you for letting me have 17 years with Jamie and Jenna. I got the best, buddy. You're too late"

It's funny because we have kids in our family who got her biologically. And we have kids (mine) who are here by adoption. And we have kids who are technically 'step' kids (but don't use that word in front of Jenna!! She'll knock you down!!!). It doesn't matter. These kids are ALL family. And they all love each other fiercely!!!!

[CC1]

Originally Posted by Margies3

I certainly sensed all of your prayers tonight while we were at the funeral home. Thank you soooooooooooooooooooo much!!!

It was difficult. I won't lie. One of the hardest things I've ever done. But it was also incredible, just incredible. I watched our kids tonight - all of the grandkids along with my cousin's kids. These kids are TIGHT!! Seriously tight. I've always known it. My son's best friend is his cousin, Chelsea. And all of the kids are like this. There is a love in these kids for each other like none other. So they hurt together tonight. They cried together. they hugged together, they laughed at stories about Jamie together. They were awesome to watch. I am so proud of them.

the neat thing was that while I was watching our kids with their cousins, I looked around me. We (my brothers and sisters) were surrounded by OUR cousins. Cousins that we played with, fought with, got in trouble with and have a bond with that NOTHING can break.

Family is a wonderful thing. I'm so grateful for mine.

Margie,

Thanks for the update. I am still praying for all of you.

[Sherri]

Originally Posted by Margies3

I certainly sensed all of your prayers tonight while we were at the funeral home. Thank you soooooooooooooooooooo much!!!

It was difficult. I won't lie. One of the hardest things I've ever done. But it was also incredible, just incredible. I watched our kids tonight - all of the grandkids along with my cousin's kids. These kids are TIGHT!! Seriously tight. I've always known it. My son's best friend is his cousin, Chelsea. And all of the kids are like this. There is a love in these kids for each other like none other. So they hurt together tonight. They cried together. they hugged together, they laughed at stories about Jamie together. They were awesome to watch. I am so proud of them.

the neat thing was that while I was watching our kids with their cousins, I looked around me. We (my brothers and sisters) were surrounded by OUR cousins. Cousins that we played with, fought with, got in trouble with and have a bond with that NOTHING can break.

Family is a wonderful thing. I'm so grateful for mine.

My family is like this too, and it's great. I was always so close to my cousins and we still have a great time when we get together. Eddie has first cousins that he never sees and doesn't even know their kids or spouses. I think this is so strange, but it's just a difference in the way we were raised. He NEVER goes to family reunions; I love mine!!!