Death hits home again
For the rest of the story, see media links at the bottom of this post. I've also included a link to a photo album posted on Facebook. Thank you, Brian (on 2007.10.09 Tuesday)
Monday, October 1, 2007
Timothy and Joshua Schrauger, ages 14 and 17, were killed in a car accident on Saturday afternoon. Professionals at the scene believe their deaths were instantaneous.
The Detroit News has just posted an article with details: Deaths add to family's trials: Teens die in crash as GI brother heals. (Click on the title to see the online report.)
Timothy and Joshua are the youngest sons of my brother, Cliff, and his wife, Vicki. Their oldest son, David, is still fighting to recover from life-threatening wounds incurred last June. He is in the army and was serving in Iraq where a Humvee in which he was riding hit an IED.
Pictured Left to Right: Vicki and Cliff Schrauger, Kate (David's fiancé),Joshua and Timothy Schrauger
You can read David's story in the post I wrote, Radical Islam hits home. That same post includes directions to the online blog of David's story. And now, as well, the first announcement of his youngest brothers' deaths.
David Schrauger's fiancé, Kate, greets him in theBrook Army Medical Center near San Antonio, Texas
I am leaving Jerusalem tonight instead of this coming Saturday, arriving in Detroit, Michigan early Tuesday morning. Timothy and Joshua's combined funeral is Thursday afternoon, October 4.
I'm not certain, but I think the service will be held in their school's auditorium: Lake Orian High School near Pontiac, Michigan.
On a personal note, I cannot help but wonder: during this trip to Israel, starting our new program, death has struck my partner's family and my own. Greg's mother died about a week ago.
I know that my nephews' deaths are not about me. But I too have had a son die. No parent should have to go through this lifelong amputation of the soul.
And so I ask and wonder, "G-d, wasn't one Schrauger child enough? What is going on? And why? I know that you are good, but your goodness is to me an almost terrifying mystery. But. To whom else shall I turn? Who else can I fully trust with my messy, raw and wounded heart? Only you. Only you."
Standing with my horrified family, and together in the need of prayer,
Brian
Post Script on Tuesday, October 9, 2007:
Here are several links to media reports that tell the rest of this story.Each one is very well done. The last link is to a personal photo album.Thank you for your generous expressions of love expressed to all our family.
Here are several links to media reports that tell the rest of this story.Each one is very well done. The last link is to a personal photo album.Thank you for your generous expressions of love expressed to all our family.
- Two sons killed in traffic accident, October 2, 2007: Article and video reports
- Things will never be the same, October 5, 2007: Article and photos
- Farewell friends: 2 brothers remembered, October 5, 2007: Article and photos
- Death of 2 sons only part of the story, October 7, 2007: Article
- Schrauger family days: portraits of love and sorrow, a personal photo album
12 comments:
Dear Brian,
I don't know you, or your family yet I wept when I read David's story. And today I weep for you all again, and like you I ask G-d, who I know to be marvelous and good, why? I am so sorry and I am praying. While even His words are void of understanding in this circumstance, yet we must live by them in faith, "The LORD gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." Job 1:21b
Lori Thomas, Nvlle, TN
Brian,
I got word yesterday about all this.
Know my prayers and deepest sympathies are with you all. Words are so shallow, but for what they are worth, know that I greive with you and your family.
Peace in Jesus,
Dixon
Brian
We are so sorry to hear of your families loss - we are praying for you
Eric Hedin
Dear Brian and family
I believe you are very close to the truth in seeing a connection between what you and Greg are doing and the tragic events that have hit both your families - but there is an up-side! Genesis 12:3 says that God will bless those who bless Israel, so blessing is sure to come in spite of the pain and anguish of your current situation.
We are praying for you here in Jerusalem
Oh, Brian, Debbie and all of your family... I weep as I read your post...please know that my prayers and all of the Miller's are with you in your agonizing grief...
Standing with you and struggling as well to understand, yet trusting in Him,
Renee Miller
My heart aches for Timothy and Joshua's parents, who are just beginning a hauntingly devastating journey through a dark tunnel full of pitfalls, detours and landmines that will test their faith to the extreme, and from which they will never fully emerge until they are all reunited again in the glory of heaven.
Pam Prichard, mother of Joel
(3/6/80-12/29/00)
Hey Guys, I know you don't know me, but I just wanted to let you know that I'm praying for you... Hang in there - one-day-at-a-time.
Dear Brian,
I am terribly saddened by this horrible tragedy. No way can I fathom this mothers loss, but my heart grieves. Why can only be consoled by Trust even in the darkest of times. Prayers,grace and strength to you and all your family.
Terri Lynn Weaver
Lancaster TN
Our love and prayers surround you, Brian, your whole family, and Greg's too. G-d give us strength. Show us Your mercy.
Bri-
You know we love you and we know that He has a plan. Albeit one we certainly can't fathom or understand-your role is to stand and we stand with you.
Be encouraged that S-t-n would spend no time on you or your family if the were not changing lives in the name of G-d as a direct result of your life.
I'm praying for His peace and His mercy to rest in your lives. Hol
so sad to hear of your nephews. i learned about them through a sister of one of their friends. small world. then i found it was an old colleague's family and not that of a stranger. G-d has a strange way of bringing His church together! praying for you and yours in this tme of sorrow......mingled with joy.
love and prayers; linda and ed, timothy, sarah and joshua
Dear Brian,
I am simply sitting beside you - like a friend sitting by Job, but not one that is planning to open my mouth or say something trite - simply sitting and mourning with you...praying for you and the family. We'll take care of Chris for you.
Love, Aubrey and Mark
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