Life After Death

Most people have heard about the sudden passing of officer Jason Ellis.  His story was spread all over the news.  A death like this would have caused me to stop and reflect on life.  I would have felt bad for his family.  I would have even uttered a little prayer for them.  But the passing of Jason Ellis was a bit different than any other officer or military that I've heard of before.

It was different because I knew Officer Ellis.  He was part of my extended family. 
When my sis-in-law married into the Phillips family I met Jason's wife, Amy.  I met her beautiful boys.  Then I met her husband, Jason.  I didn't know Jason well.  I won't pretend that he and I shared deep conversations or that we were best friends, but I knew him well enough to learn a few things about him on my own and not through the media. 

I learned that he was a kind man.  I learned that he like to joke around, but mostly I saw that he loved his two boys and that he was madly in love with his wife. 

And like that...it was gone. 

I've spent the last week and a half in utter disbelief that someone would just take him away from his beautiful wife and children. That someone would have so much hatred in their heart that they would take him away from his friends and fellow officers.  After a short amount of time I still can't wrap my mind around it. The "why" question is there and it isn't going anywhere fast. 

The question has been asked what is the best thing to do in times like these.  I pray.  I pray hard.  My mind just keeps coming back to Amy and the kids.  I couldn't imagine loosing my husband.  I couldn't imagine continuing my life without him by my side.  I can't even begin to fathom what she's going through.  So, I pray.  Each and every time she comes to my mind I utter words of peace and comfort to her.  I pray for her family.  I pray for Jason's friends.  I pray for the officers that are trying to solve the case.  I pray for the officers who have to work knowing there is a killer out there somewhere.  I pray for whomever did this.  I just simply pray. 

I know I don't have many blog followers out there.  This blog is mostly for my own benefit.  It is a place to get thoughts out of my head.  But if you are out there and you would like to help Amy there is a way to do so. 

First, pray for her and her boys.  She needs that more than anything.  Second, you can purchase a memorial bracelet and a portion of the proceeds go to the memorial fund.  Third you can make a donation directly to the fun and all the money will go directly to Amy. 

Here is the link. 

I want to say thank you if you decide to donate.  But mostly, I want to say thank you for praying for Amy and her kids.  There is so much healing that needs to happen in their lives. 

Hopefully the case will be solved soon and some of the "why" questions can be answered.  Until then I pray for peace and I pray that none of us takes our life for granted.  We are here today but we are not guaranteed tomorrow.  Make the most of everyday that you are given!