Thankful

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter. Over the past week and a half, I have seen a lot of tragedy. Last Friday, a local police officer, Officer Allen Jacobs, was shot and killed in the line of duty. The coward who shot him was a gang member, he turned the gun on himself afterwards. Officer Jacob leaves behind his parents, a wife, two small boys and a little girl due in July. 

Officer Jacobs death affected the community as whole, it was nice to see strangers come together to pay their respects, and to donate to his family. Such a sad, senseless crime. This Officer deserved so much more. He was laid to rest a few days ago, I happen to be in the car with my roommate as several police cars escorted his coffin to Furman. I cannot explain the feeling that overcame me when I saw the hearse go by. It was unreal that he was in the back, no more seeing this familiar figure patrolling, helping, sacrificing. My heart hurts for his family.

EOW

3-18-2016

RIP

Also, we lost a local highs school student in a one-car crash. The car went off the road and hit a tree, praying for that student's family as well. This happened the same day Jacobs lost his life.

I follow quite a few parents on facebook that have created a page for their child who suffers from Batten's Disease. A couple of those children have recently passed away as well. If you do not know what Batten's disease is, I highly, highly, recommend you Googling and educating yourself on it. It is a disease that strikes the healthiest of children with no warning. I will actually provide a link at the bottom of the page to make it easier. 

Children are not tested at birth for this disease and this mutated gene is passed down from both parents. It's a scary disease that is always fatal, there is no cure, yet. 

I do not mean to be so gloomy on Easter, and even though I have my family here with me, I have my daughter here, we celebrated her being accepted into 4K today, there are many families aching and hurting today for their lost loves. 

Be grateful for what you have, who you still have in your life and do not take anyone for granted. There is no telling when they will be snatched from you. There is no "expiration date" letting us know how much time we have with our loved ones. 

Happy Easter to you all!

Love,

Stephanie

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Annalisa

What is Batten's Disease