Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Three hours later...



I asked Chip to pause for a couple of minutes and take some quick family pictures before he would fly back home to Michigan. He rolled his eyes at me, but smiled and said, "Okay...but let's make 'em quick." I said, "Hey...be nice. These could be the last family photos we take with you."
That was around 3 pm. At around 4 pm Chip was on a bus that rode over the bridge that collapsed here in Minneapolis over the Mississippi at 6:05 pm.
I was helping my mom make my kids crepes with peaches for dinner when we heard the inital report of the bridge collapse. My heart ached for everyone touched by this tragedy. Literally...two hours made the difference between this being my story and someone else's story. I am not immune to the hurts and horrors of this world just because I've lived through some already. I appreciate every moment in my life- simply because it IS a gift. Everyday.
Maybe I say it too many times around here. Maybe. But it's so true.
And tonight I am thanking God for sparing me the unbelieveable pain of the events of this bridge collapse. I am praying for the families of those who are coming to grips with this reality in their life. And for all those touched so unexpectedly by loss. It is sad. It is hard to understand. I hope you will pray for the families whose story took such an unexpected turn today. And thank God for your own life...which is a gift to be treasured. Daily.

36 comments:

Monica said...

Jodi--I just logged on to see if you and your family were ok. I remember reading that you were headed to MN and thought of you when I heard what happened. I'm glad everyone is safe.

Pam said...

Glad to hear your family is safe.

As you so eloquently pointed out, we are all just a mere breath away from life altering events, often to our total absence of knowledge.

Praying for the families whose lives were changed today.

Gorgeous pictures!!

Pam

Jane said...

Fab photos!

We woke this morning to this horrible news - couldnt believe it. So glad your family wasn't caught up in this tradgedy.

Heart goes out to the families that will be devestated by this though!

Anonymous said...

Jodi, I too logged on to see if you and your family were safe. I am a lurker with Michigan "roots" I am giving God thanks for sparing you. Yet calling out for mercy for those who are facing the pain of loss and injury.
Your sweet blog has blessed me in ways you cannot imagine.

.Tom Kapanka said...

I just read about this story online--don't know how I missed it last night. So glad Chip was not involved. I did not know you were out of town and was, in fact, going to call you today with a question. It's a good kind of question--nothing to worry about at all. I'll email it.

Megan said...

Jody these photos are beautiful.

I saw the bridge collapse here on the television this morning...what a dreadful thing for those effected to be going through. Thank goodness Chip is safe.

Megan xx

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jody for posting! I thought of you last night as I heard the news and hoped you all were fine!!!
You're right about the time factor re: Chip's travel being a miracle of safety. I'm thinking it's probably a blessing we don't know the future!
I have family and friends in the Twin Cities and hope that all of them are fine!
Today prayers are being said for the families affected, the rescuers and the whole situation.

Anonymous said...

Glad you're all OK. Saw your comments on another blog. Travelled through the Twin Cities yesterday en route to our visit 'back home'. I cannot believe what has happened, and pray for everyone affected. Thank God you are safe.

CyndiAKADisneyqueen said...

Jodi I thought of you as soon as I logged in this morning. Glad you all are ok. My prayers are with the families affected by this tragedy.

Lisa said...

Beautiful pictures! Glad you were all safe!

Kris with a K said...

Oh, Jodi, I am so thankful you all are safe! I've checked with my family (inlaws) and they are all safe also...what a weird tragedy. So many of my former coworkers at Blue Cross drive that bridge.

so very thankful your family was spared another tragedy.

Anonymous said...

Jodi -
My husband and I were there shortly before this horrific tragedy. Thoughts of your family went through my mind and you all were in my prayers along with the families and individuals directly impacted.
Enjoy your time in MN!

Anonymous said...

So glad to know you are all OK. You & your family were the first thing I thought of when I saw the news about the bridge.

Thanking God for His protection !

Have a great vacation !
With love,
Jackie Carl

Kari said...

I am glad that Chip is safe!!! My thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends affected by the events of the bridge collapse!

jewell said...

I thought about you and your family last night as I saw the news. I knew from reading your blog you were headed there for a visit. I am so thankful you are all okay.

*reyanna* said...

Great pictures! Everybody looks SO happy. And I'm so glad your family is save after yesterday's tragedy. God bless you all! :D

Dena said...

Wow! I remembered one of my bloggie fave's was in the area! I was watching in SHOCK last night thinking - How does THAT happen???
PRAISE GOD Chip is okay!!!

Everyday is a gift!!!

Anonymous said...

Jody, I automatically thought of you and your family when I heard the news, and I am so glad to know that ya'll are ok!

PROLIX said...

Bonjour,

I didn't know your story.
You're an example of courage.

Giant hugs to ya & very good vibes.

PROLIX
{ThE fReNcH tOuCh}
http://prolix.typepad.fr

Christal said...

Hi there Jody, I just had to know if you all were ok. I knew you were in MN... So releaved and more at peace knowing you are safe... Chip... I am at a loss for words.... Glad that you took the time for the photos! Chip and Jody hugs to you and all the family. Can't imagine the feelings that were going through your minds!Thoughts and prayers to all~

Anonymous said...

So glad you're all okay, Jodi. Thanks for letting us know. ~Jodie R.

Susan said...

I too thought instantly of your family upon hearing of the tragedy! I am so glad your husband is ok!

Susan Simpson

Anonymous said...

Hey Jody, I'm so happy to hear that you guys are all okay. I remembered that you were in MN and wanted to check your blog to see if you had written anything post accident. We live not too far from the bridge...freaky to think that it could've been us or anyone we know and love on that bridge. Our families and friends are all okay as far as we know, which is a huge blessing. Thank you for reminding us of the preciousness of life and to not take any moment for granted. May you have a wonderful rest of your time in MN.

Kathy said...

You must spend a lot of time each day putting new entries in your blog. Thank you so much for your efforts. I truly enjoy reading your entries and find them so inspirational.

Kathy in Canada

JSM said...

I was wondering where you were in relation to the bridge... praise God this didn't directly affect your family. Thoughts & Prayers out to cover those that were...

Keiauni said...

I just want you to know, that as soon as I heard about the bridge I thought of YOU and YOUR family. All is well....All is well.
I'm so glad.
Bless you.

Anonymous said...

lubs & {{smooches}}!!

Malin said...

So pretty photos you have a beautifull family glad that you are all fine!!!

Andthanks for all the wonderfull inspiration you give!!

Kate said...

Thank you Jesus for 3 more hours. Jody, you so don't need anymore pain in your life. My family prays for you. Kiss your hubs a couple hundred extra times today. Luv ya!

ashlee said...

thank you for putting these things into perspective. God is so good to us...we need to remember to thank him for the little and big things...like life:)

Just call me "B" said...

OMG, Jodi.

I was just checking up to see what's going on with you.

How many times have I thought........what if this is the last pic? I know it's crazy, but there are so many moments I love to capture.

Melissa said...

Oh! Thank God!!! Glad everyone is safe and that is just unbelievably too close for comfort, huh?

Enjoy the rest of your trip and stay safe in your travels!

--mel :)

susan opel said...

Oh my gosh!

Thank

You

God!

Cris said...

Oh wow, really makes you think doesn't it? I am so glad to hear that Chip is OK.

Anonymous said...

Jody, give me a buzz. Let's have some coffee and chat it up. Christine

Anonymous said...

SUCH great family photos J!! You all look like you are having so much fun!!!! :)