Tragedy

This morning I write with a heavy heart. Yesterday afternoon I lost two colleagues in a fatal car crash. These men were both Believers, so I at least have comfort in that. But I can't stop grieving for their families.

Anthony Blum was only 24. He was a son, a brother, a boyfriend, a coach, a teacher, a friend. I did not know him well, but my few encounters with him were enjoyable. I remember the first time I met him. He held the door open for me as we both headed toward the activities building to work a basketball game. He turned around and smiled at me and asked, "Are you following me?" From then on, it was a joke between us as to who was following whom. I wish I could have known him better. I keep thinking about his family and his girlfriend. I can't imagine what they must be going through. If I am grieving for him and didn't know him very well, how deep their grief must be! I was worried about them last night, that they wouldn't sleep. I'm up much earlier than I anticipated and already this morning they're on my heart.

Zane Harvey was 38. He had a wife and children. He was a worship leader at the E-Free church. He was our assistant boys' basketball coach. He taught for 14 years. I did not have an opportunity to meet Mr. Harvey. His wife and children were on my mind last night and are again this morning. I can't imagine the burden his wife now has to carry, trying to explain to the children that daddy's not coming home. It breaks my heart.

May these two men rest in peace. May their families find solace in this tragedy. May our community grow stronger through this atrocity. May peace rest on Broken Bow.