Thursday, May 22, 2008

This One Hurts


Last night as I was reading the news I came across the tragedy that occurred to Steven Curtis Chapman's family yesterday. His five year old daughter was killed in the driveway of the Chapman home by her older brother. Her brother was backing out of the driveway in a truck, didn't see his sister and killed her.

I sometimes have made fun of The Dove Awards and even had a blind item from there, but the fact is some of the singers who are nominated each year are close friends. I have met Steven many times over the years, as well as his lovely wife Mary Beth. You would be extremely hard pressed to find a couple or family as loving as them. They have always been an advocate of adoption and in addition to their three biological children, the Chapmans had adopted three children from China as well. The daughter killed was one of those adopted.

My heart goes out to the Chapmans. In addition to the parents, I just hope that the brother is going to be ok. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon, and someone needs to make him realize it, and not let this horrible tragedy affect who he is as a person for the rest of his life.

If any family can pull themselves through this, it is the Chapmans.

21 comments:

Rare Avis said...

This is a heartbreaker. My sympathies to the family.

jax said...

awful. that poor kid. El it is far too common.

Amanda said...

Oh, I used to love Steven Curtis Chapman when I was a good Christian girl. Poor family- that brother must feel terrible. My heart goes out to them.

jlb said...

One of my exboyfriend's brothers was killed this way by their father. Horrible and tragic - my heart goes out to their family.

Little Miss Smoke and Mirrors said...

There are no words to describe this tragedy. My condolences go out to all of them.

janice said...

wow :( my heart goes out to the family, especially the brother.

Anonymous said...

The little was cute very sad that she will not get to enjoy knowing having a boyfriend, life, etc...

Ice Angel said...

What a horrible tragedy. I do feel so sorry for this poor young man who did this. I hope he finds the faith to know that God forgives and he needs to forgive himself.

God has another angel in Heaven.

P.S. I went onto Chapman's site and there is a really cute little video of him and his daughter washing dishes, playing around and singing. You can tell their home is a special place. They ask for donations to their fund they started to help those who would like to adopt from China pay for the expenses of doing so. It's a great charity!

irishstayc2 said...

I was just heartsick about this when I read it earlier today. That poor family and that poor boy... can u ever really forgive yourself for something like this? even though you should...

All cars should have that beeping sensor when something is behind you.

saying prayers!

Leah said...

I have nothing to add, except my prayers.

Production Girl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Production Girl said...

My condolences to the family. My heart breaks for them.

kellygirl said...

sincere condolences to this family. Heartbreaking!

GammaGirl said...

I saw this last night, I can't even begin to fathom the pain they must feel. Peace be with them, especially the brother involved in the
accident.

Hopefully this will bring some attention to the visibility issues SUV's have. What a shame.

Judi said...

Was in tears all last evening. We're a waiting family for China adoption - have another couple of years yet - and the Chapman family is dear to all, even those of us who aren't religious. He wrote the song 'Cinderella' for little Maria. His 'When Love Takes You In' is often used by families for their China trip videos.
For this poor son, there will be life before this happened, which he'll view as idyllic, and life after, which will be hell. I canNOT imagine the level of insane pain and guilt but this family's SO strong and I'm sure he'll get the help he needs.
If you want to read more, it's the headline article at the Tennessean newspaper website.
Their organization is Shaohannah's Hope, if anyone would like to make a donation.

ablake said...

It was on the news last night here in Nashville, where they live. My heart breaks for that precious family. You know, people like the Chapman's aren't the ones you hear about when people start bashing religion. The ones who quietly practice what they preach and day by day try to make the world a better place. I guess it's because such stories don't sell newspapers. They are absolutely in my prayers and I second third fourth and fifth the concerns about the son who was behind the wheel. May he find peace someday and not hate himself up until he finally joins his little sister.
Sleep well Maria. You're home.

Miss X said...

Ent, thanks for posting this.

This is heartbreaking. They'll be in my prayers, especially the son. And Maria's playmates who saw the accident.

amanda rae said...

I am sorry for their loss, I really am. But it infuriates me that Americans adopt all these kids from other countries, when there are millions of needy AMERICAN children that would love to have a caring, loving family.

I just don't understand why we Americans spend so much time on taking up causes for other countries, adopting their unwanted children, and ignore our own problems. In case you all haven't noticed, we have a LOT of problems here, and everyone just seems to turn a blind eye to them, and it disgusts me.

The mother of these children started a fund to help people adopt from China....why didn't she start a fund to help people adopt AMERICAN children? Why didn't SHE adopt three American children? Why do we spend so much time, energy and money trying to fix other countries, while our own is falling apart? Are we blind, or just stupid? It's sad, because those other countries certainly don't give a crap about us, and would likely destroy us if given the chance, yet we are helping them, and adopting their unwanted children while neglecting our own. And don't think it won't come back to bite us in the ass later on, because it will.

How would you feel if you were an unwanted American child, stuck in a shitty foster care system, and saw Americans who could be adopting you adopting Chinese, Russian, and kids of every other nationality EXCEPT your own? If I was one of those kids, I think I would be understandably pissed, and probably grow up to hate my country and everyone in it. And with good reason.

Believe me, we WILL pay for neglecting our own people one day...in fact, it's already starting, and I hope each and every one of you people who looked away, ignored the problem, and adopted non-American children will know exactly who to blame, because you have no one to blame but yourselves. Disgusting.

ablake said...

While I understand your anger (fury?) Amanda, I think it's misplaced when it comes to China and adoptions.
You may want to do some research on China's policy about 1 child per family and how most would rather abandon their daughters in favor of a son.
Please not that the Chapman's adopted 3 girls and take your rant to an Angelina thread.
Thank you, soapbox not needed here.

ablake said...

*Note

Sorry but that rant just completely turned my stomach.

Almost as much as people who just want a reason to bicker and complain. Even for causes they haven't fully researched or just plain don't understand.

This little girl DIED.
She's gone.
Don't you dare use her death to further your agenda.

Thanks

Nate Tallman said...

Their adoption fund is for both international and domestic adoptions.

Advertisements

Popular Posts from the last 30 days