Not long from the moment as I write this, Amanda and I got a phone call three years ago we'll never forget.
The loss of Chris, Leah, Miller and Mallory Walls still remains in our hearts. We think about them often and miss them. Though we don't understand why at this stage in our lives the reasons why they're gone, we know their lives are valued and cherished by those they left behind. Their legacies of faith in Christ will do the same.
I've not been home a little more than 90 minutes from a reception following a memorial service for a co-worker who passed away unexpectedly within the last 10 days.
Today's events with our co-worker made me think about Chris and Leah even more. It's refreshing and comforting to trust we'll see them all - even my co-worker - again some day.
Showing posts with label Chris and Leah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chris and Leah. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Friday, March 02, 2007
Making sense of what doesn't make sense
Less than nine months ago, my family stood in line in the lobby of Hillcrest Baptist Church along with dozens of other people to visit the family of Chris and Leah Walls (see previous posts) and file past the caskets containing their remains and those of their children.
We waited in line with a whole lot of people who didn't know us from Adam and probably wondered aloud why in the world would we bring a nine-month-old to a visitation.
Somehow, probably, we hoped Leah would see the child she'd prayed would come our way. We certainly wanted her family to know how much her support meant.
As I watched the footage roll in from Enterprise, Ala., Thursday, I noticed the unmistakable roof line of a modest-size, brick building which looked like a church. A map search confirmed what I thought - Hillcrest was again at the center of a tragedy, only this time, much bigger in scope at least in the number of people killed.
I think back now to the faces of the people I stood in line with on that balmy Friday night in southeast Alabama and I wonder - Are these now grieving grandparents, or intended rescuers who only found bodies or people who reunited a child and a parent or friends who are now turning to one another for comfort?
Did the Walls' deaths somehow prepare this town for even more sorrow? Is that even possible? Am I still grasping for something which will make their loss make sense? Yes, very likely.
But in both sets of circumstances, I continue to pray the Lord will do his bidding in these times of uncertainty and grief and that the sense of community I felt in that church would extend beyond its walls to a hurting Enterprise.
And I pray that the well-meaning people who've pulled satellite trucks to this community would do more than report about the horror. Maybe when the feed is offline, you could help someone lift a board, or listen - off-the-record - to a hurting family, or give a cup of water to those working the scene. They need more than 15 seconds of fame in Enterprise right now.
These are hard-working, dedicated, God-fearing, salt-of-the-earth people who probably don't respond well to pity. But they will listen to a helping hand. Let's all do what we can for these folks, even if for now it's just to pray.
We waited in line with a whole lot of people who didn't know us from Adam and probably wondered aloud why in the world would we bring a nine-month-old to a visitation.
Somehow, probably, we hoped Leah would see the child she'd prayed would come our way. We certainly wanted her family to know how much her support meant.
As I watched the footage roll in from Enterprise, Ala., Thursday, I noticed the unmistakable roof line of a modest-size, brick building which looked like a church. A map search confirmed what I thought - Hillcrest was again at the center of a tragedy, only this time, much bigger in scope at least in the number of people killed.
I think back now to the faces of the people I stood in line with on that balmy Friday night in southeast Alabama and I wonder - Are these now grieving grandparents, or intended rescuers who only found bodies or people who reunited a child and a parent or friends who are now turning to one another for comfort?
Did the Walls' deaths somehow prepare this town for even more sorrow? Is that even possible? Am I still grasping for something which will make their loss make sense? Yes, very likely.
But in both sets of circumstances, I continue to pray the Lord will do his bidding in these times of uncertainty and grief and that the sense of community I felt in that church would extend beyond its walls to a hurting Enterprise.
And I pray that the well-meaning people who've pulled satellite trucks to this community would do more than report about the horror. Maybe when the feed is offline, you could help someone lift a board, or listen - off-the-record - to a hurting family, or give a cup of water to those working the scene. They need more than 15 seconds of fame in Enterprise right now.
These are hard-working, dedicated, God-fearing, salt-of-the-earth people who probably don't respond well to pity. But they will listen to a helping hand. Let's all do what we can for these folks, even if for now it's just to pray.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
It will be strange
As I write this, the rock band Rush is in its final stages of mixing its 18th full-length studio album with an anticipated release time of late April or early May.
Yes, I've been listening to a lot of old Rush lately to get ready and pouncing on any new information floating out there in cyberspace.
What will be hard about this release is that Amanda and I won't have Chris Walls with whom to talk to about it. We last saw Chris alive when he, Amanda, another friend of his and I went to see Rush in Nashville, Tenn. on the opening show of their 30th anniversary tour in May '04.
We often talked about Rush - a likely strong influence on his desire to drum - when we got together. (Rush's drummer and lyricist Neil Peart is considered by many one of the best percussionists in the recorded world.)
If we do get to see Rush on this tour, possibly one of their last, it will be difficult emotionally for at least part of it, especially Neil's solo, which is usually mind-blowing.
As we awaited official word of Chris' death on a Saturday in June, I listened to a disc of an old Rush show and sobbed. Amanda mentioned said it today - it won't be the same when the new album comes out. She sure is right.
We aren't the same people because of Chris and Leah - they inspired us to take risks and dream big. They put some distance between themselves and the familiar to move to Nashville for an undetermined outcome, then did the same when they moved to Arizona.
While we haven't reached our potential (who really does?), we were motivated to some degree by them to step out where the ground is uncertain and the people are unfamiliar. In coming to this region of Mississippi, we did exactly that. That's something that just isn't normally part of who I am.
But we're living in a previously uncharted part of the world for us, and for the most part, enjoying it. Having a child like Jadyn and some of our closer friends around sure helps.
So, when the Rush album comes out, there are a few people around who care and who I hopefully won't bore to tears as I break it down, piece by piece, and put it back together again to understand the meaning of the lyrics and the musical structure of the songs. I hope they'll pardon me as they fill in for Chris.
Here's hoping that somehow, someday, Amanda and I will have some kind of lasting influence on those around us (like Chris and Leah did for us), and that they won't only remember us, but Jesus Christ above all.
Yes, I've been listening to a lot of old Rush lately to get ready and pouncing on any new information floating out there in cyberspace.
What will be hard about this release is that Amanda and I won't have Chris Walls with whom to talk to about it. We last saw Chris alive when he, Amanda, another friend of his and I went to see Rush in Nashville, Tenn. on the opening show of their 30th anniversary tour in May '04.
We often talked about Rush - a likely strong influence on his desire to drum - when we got together. (Rush's drummer and lyricist Neil Peart is considered by many one of the best percussionists in the recorded world.)
If we do get to see Rush on this tour, possibly one of their last, it will be difficult emotionally for at least part of it, especially Neil's solo, which is usually mind-blowing.
As we awaited official word of Chris' death on a Saturday in June, I listened to a disc of an old Rush show and sobbed. Amanda mentioned said it today - it won't be the same when the new album comes out. She sure is right.
We aren't the same people because of Chris and Leah - they inspired us to take risks and dream big. They put some distance between themselves and the familiar to move to Nashville for an undetermined outcome, then did the same when they moved to Arizona.
While we haven't reached our potential (who really does?), we were motivated to some degree by them to step out where the ground is uncertain and the people are unfamiliar. In coming to this region of Mississippi, we did exactly that. That's something that just isn't normally part of who I am.
But we're living in a previously uncharted part of the world for us, and for the most part, enjoying it. Having a child like Jadyn and some of our closer friends around sure helps.
So, when the Rush album comes out, there are a few people around who care and who I hopefully won't bore to tears as I break it down, piece by piece, and put it back together again to understand the meaning of the lyrics and the musical structure of the songs. I hope they'll pardon me as they fill in for Chris.
Here's hoping that somehow, someday, Amanda and I will have some kind of lasting influence on those around us (like Chris and Leah did for us), and that they won't only remember us, but Jesus Christ above all.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Warning - this is pretty random
Been hanging out on another blog/friend site more recently, playing around with the technology, etc.
Still missing our friends.
We think about them at least once a week it seems.
Amanda and I were talking tonight about how strange it is to think about people their ages and realize that we won't be able to talk to them again in this lifetime.
In other stuff:
We're hoping to start unpacking the new house more soon, but seems like we haven't had the energy or time to think about such lately.
Our daughter keeps growing and we absolutely adore her.
Sometimes we feel like we're just Jadyn's parents, but that's how it goes sometimes.
Wow, it's late.
Gotta do some weekend stuff in the morning before the weekend's up.
Later!
Still missing our friends.
We think about them at least once a week it seems.
Amanda and I were talking tonight about how strange it is to think about people their ages and realize that we won't be able to talk to them again in this lifetime.
In other stuff:
We're hoping to start unpacking the new house more soon, but seems like we haven't had the energy or time to think about such lately.
Our daughter keeps growing and we absolutely adore her.
Sometimes we feel like we're just Jadyn's parents, but that's how it goes sometimes.
Wow, it's late.
Gotta do some weekend stuff in the morning before the weekend's up.
Later!
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Farewell for now
Those who knew Chris, Leah, Miller and Mallory Walls - or at least their families - filled Hillcrest Baptist Church in Enterprise, Ala. Saturday.
Some traveled at least as far as Arizona to pay their respects. Others drove from other locations throughout the Southeast, including Mississippi and Tennessee.
The reality of the loss seemed distant until funeral home personnel wheeled the four caskets - including two small ones - out of the sanctuary and the searing pain became evident on the faces of those left behind.
Mourners loaded up in their cars and rode several miles to the four donated plots where the Walls' earthly bodies rest for the time being.
Drivers stopped for the processional.
Some got out to pay their respects, with one man holding his bright orange Tennessee hat over his heart.
A police officer stood at attention while keeping other traffic at bay.
Enterprise noted its loss in fine fashion, and we're trusting Heaven responded in kind on receipt of these four souls.
Singing "You give and take away ... My heart will choose to say blessed be your name" in church today brought on a whole new meaning, and, of course, tears. I want to trust and believe the Lord in this our loss, but it's hard for both Amanda and I to accept that we won't be able to converse with our friends until we see them again.
They inspired us to reach beyond the norm. Amanda started painting several years ago. She had some emotions she wanted to express through art and Leah told her to go for it.
Chris and Leah both patiently listened and encouraged us as we sought the Lord's direction in the possibility of moving to Franklin, Tenn.
During this soul-searching, we got the amazing privilege to arrive in time to see Mallory enter the world from a downtown Nashville hospital.
I watched in awe as Chris pursued his dream to become a professional drummer and later, developed a record label.
Leah's art had a personal touch which went beyond her formal training and expressed her personality - warm, welcoming and full of life.
This family had a place in our aforementioned hodge-podge extended family.
We will miss them and hang on to the memories we have of them, pledging to make new ones with the friends and family we have left.
And, most importantly, we're praying that those we know will eventually come to know Jesus Christ, the One who makes bearable this otherwise unimaginable loss.
For more on the lessons we've learned from this, please see Amanda's blog by following the link "Amanda's blog (Upheaval in Mississippi)".
Some traveled at least as far as Arizona to pay their respects. Others drove from other locations throughout the Southeast, including Mississippi and Tennessee.
The reality of the loss seemed distant until funeral home personnel wheeled the four caskets - including two small ones - out of the sanctuary and the searing pain became evident on the faces of those left behind.
Mourners loaded up in their cars and rode several miles to the four donated plots where the Walls' earthly bodies rest for the time being.
Drivers stopped for the processional.
Some got out to pay their respects, with one man holding his bright orange Tennessee hat over his heart.
A police officer stood at attention while keeping other traffic at bay.
Enterprise noted its loss in fine fashion, and we're trusting Heaven responded in kind on receipt of these four souls.
Singing "You give and take away ... My heart will choose to say blessed be your name" in church today brought on a whole new meaning, and, of course, tears. I want to trust and believe the Lord in this our loss, but it's hard for both Amanda and I to accept that we won't be able to converse with our friends until we see them again.
They inspired us to reach beyond the norm. Amanda started painting several years ago. She had some emotions she wanted to express through art and Leah told her to go for it.
Chris and Leah both patiently listened and encouraged us as we sought the Lord's direction in the possibility of moving to Franklin, Tenn.
During this soul-searching, we got the amazing privilege to arrive in time to see Mallory enter the world from a downtown Nashville hospital.
I watched in awe as Chris pursued his dream to become a professional drummer and later, developed a record label.
Leah's art had a personal touch which went beyond her formal training and expressed her personality - warm, welcoming and full of life.
This family had a place in our aforementioned hodge-podge extended family.
We will miss them and hang on to the memories we have of them, pledging to make new ones with the friends and family we have left.
And, most importantly, we're praying that those we know will eventually come to know Jesus Christ, the One who makes bearable this otherwise unimaginable loss.
For more on the lessons we've learned from this, please see Amanda's blog by following the link "Amanda's blog (Upheaval in Mississippi)".
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Last post for the night
Nothing major new to report. Phoenix television station websites have videotape of reports from the scene and may have updated their reporting through the evening.
We're running on adrenaline and that's about gone.
Will pass along, either here or through other means, any important details to share.
We last saw them when Chris, Amanda and I went with another friend of the family to see Rush in Nashville on the opening show of their 30th anniversary tour.
Chris and I were both huge Rush fans.
Of course, we still love the faith these two operated by, which led them to Phoenix.
Before I post the more serious things, Chris knew Amanda and I by our nicknames: "Paulina Poriskova (sp?)" for me and "(E)mand(er) Holyfield." I'm sure his nickname for Jadyn would've been just as humorous.
Here are some scriptures and some lines from a fitting Rush song, "Afterimage":
“Suddenly, you were gone
From all the lives you left your mark upon …
This is something that just can't be understood
I learned your love for life,
I feel the way that you would
I feel your presence
I remember
I feel the way you would
This just can't be understood... .”
Isaiah 26:3:
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
Proverbs 3:5:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
We're running on adrenaline and that's about gone.
Will pass along, either here or through other means, any important details to share.
We last saw them when Chris, Amanda and I went with another friend of the family to see Rush in Nashville on the opening show of their 30th anniversary tour.
Chris and I were both huge Rush fans.
Of course, we still love the faith these two operated by, which led them to Phoenix.
Before I post the more serious things, Chris knew Amanda and I by our nicknames: "Paulina Poriskova (sp?)" for me and "(E)mand(er) Holyfield." I'm sure his nickname for Jadyn would've been just as humorous.
Here are some scriptures and some lines from a fitting Rush song, "Afterimage":
“Suddenly, you were gone
From all the lives you left your mark upon …
This is something that just can't be understood
I learned your love for life,
I feel the way that you would
I feel your presence
I remember
I feel the way you would
This just can't be understood... .”
Isaiah 26:3:
"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you."
Proverbs 3:5:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."
In memory of Chris, Leah, Miller and Mallory Walls
Details on this post may be disturbing to some readers:
Chris, Leah, Miller and Mallory Walls died in a two-vehicle accident around 4:15 p.m. MDT Friday, June 16 in metro Phoenix, Ariz.
According to various media reports, the family was on its way to a church service at Desert Life Church in Scottsdale, Ariz. They were stopped at an intersection in their Mazda MPV when a Chrysler Pacifica, driven by Haluk Kandas, 29, of Phoenix left an exit ramp going 65-70 mph and rear-ended the van. The vehicle eventually caught fire.
It is unclear exactly how the family died.
Chris and Leah were 36 and 34 respectively. Miller and Mallory were each approximately 7 and 5 respectively.
Chris had a wonderful entrepreneurial spirit and Leah was an amazing artist. They loved their children immensely and desired to serve Jesus Christ with their lives and talents.
We knew them from our days at Christ Community Church in Montgomery, Ala. and continued to stay in contact with them after they relocated to metro Nashville, Tenn. several years ago. They moved to Phoenix within the last 18 months. We last saw them in May 2004.
Those who wish may contact me via e-mail for further details. We hope to know more about funeral arrangements in the near future. I hope someone is able to post their works for the world to see. We pray that in their deaths and through their amazing gifts people will come to know Christ.
Chris, Leah, Miller and Mallory Walls died in a two-vehicle accident around 4:15 p.m. MDT Friday, June 16 in metro Phoenix, Ariz.
According to various media reports, the family was on its way to a church service at Desert Life Church in Scottsdale, Ariz. They were stopped at an intersection in their Mazda MPV when a Chrysler Pacifica, driven by Haluk Kandas, 29, of Phoenix left an exit ramp going 65-70 mph and rear-ended the van. The vehicle eventually caught fire.
It is unclear exactly how the family died.
Chris and Leah were 36 and 34 respectively. Miller and Mallory were each approximately 7 and 5 respectively.
Chris had a wonderful entrepreneurial spirit and Leah was an amazing artist. They loved their children immensely and desired to serve Jesus Christ with their lives and talents.
We knew them from our days at Christ Community Church in Montgomery, Ala. and continued to stay in contact with them after they relocated to metro Nashville, Tenn. several years ago. They moved to Phoenix within the last 18 months. We last saw them in May 2004.
Those who wish may contact me via e-mail for further details. We hope to know more about funeral arrangements in the near future. I hope someone is able to post their works for the world to see. We pray that in their deaths and through their amazing gifts people will come to know Christ.
Update
Until we know something official, I'd prefer not to say anything about what's going on, but we've spent about the last two and a half hours trying to track down relatives of some friends of ours. We will post updates and details when things are verified. Amanda and I have done just about everything we can do, so we're going to finish up what we can and try to get some sleep.
Emphasis on try.
Thanks for your prayers and support.
Emphasis on try.
Thanks for your prayers and support.
Emergency prayer request
Amanda and I are trying to help locate the relatives of some friends at this writing. We don't know why, but we are in the middle of this and will pursue until we can bring some resolution.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
