In tragedy, toddler’s family gave life to three others
Life is full of tragedy. It strikes without notice. Tragedy doesn’t distinguish between the good and the bad, the rich or the poor, the black or the white. It just makes its mark and leaves scars that never heal.
It seems every professional path I have taken is somehow connected to life and death. Maybe it’s where I’m supposed to be. I certainly hope so.
If not, I have totally missed the mark.
Our community experienced a tragedy this week that is unimaginable. Two-year-old Lilly Franklin was struck by a vehicle and died because of her injuries. I never had the privilege of meeting Lilly or her parents, Josh and Cydney.
This is a young couple raising their family in the Keithsburg community. Keithsburg happens to be the same community my young parents raised their children. There is no better place to raise a child.
Josh and Cydney experienced something that is every parent’s nightmare. Some of you have also gone through losing a child. Those of us who haven’t can’t understand your pain. It’s not something any of us want to happen.
On the day of her death, I received a call from a young deputy coroner, Blaine Ross. He was still at the hospital with Lilly. It was a tearful conversation that included him telling me that through Lilly’s death, at least three other children were going to be given a chance at life. He finished by telling me he felt as if part of his soul had been ripped away.
The only thing I knew to tell him was to be as kind to the family as he could possibly be. We never know when our words touch the hearts of other people. My experience had put me in similar situations in the past. We see things that we just can’t unsee. We see things that no person should have to see. Yet, someone has to see these things. A job has to be done. And someone must do it.
It didn’t matter that I had no connection to Lilly and her family. After hanging up the phone with Blaine, I felt sick. It also caused me to remember those images from my profession that stay with me until this day. Those images become a part of us and who we are. They never go away. They also help shape us personally and professionally.
Josh, Cydney and their son will never be the same. Their lives have changed, and no one has any answers as to why. It was an accident.
None of us live close enough to God to understand His every decision. Such as it is in this case. One can only believe that Lilly was needed in heaven more than she was on earth. It is doubtful that makes her mama and daddy feel any better right now. And, in my opinion, God understands that.
While Lilly only lived two short years on this earth, her life made a tremendous difference. Because of the selflessness of her parents, her passing saved the lives of at least three other children. She will not only live on in the lives of her family, she will also live on in the lives of those children who were given life by her passing.
While we are praying for her family, I hope we also remember to pray for the driver of the vehicle. I can’t imagine what he’s going through. Accidents happen every day. Unfortunately, this one had grave consequences. It is my sincere hope that one day God will provide him the comfort he needs and deserves.
Lilly’s passing caused me to think about the frailty of life. It can all end in an instant. I see death on a regular basis. Yet, not all those deaths speak to me. This one did.
I don’t hate anyone. But there is someone from my past I have not forgiven. It is time to let go and forgive. It isn’t necessary to see them or speak with them. It is necessary to forgive from my heart and move on. I have no explanation as to why Lilly’s story caused me to feel this. It can only be the movement of a Higher Power.
Thank you, Lilly, for every life you touched and there were many. I have no doubt there was a shout in heaven when you entered the gates. Be at peace sweet girl as you sleep in the arms of an angel.