Another woman dead

Randy "Amanda" Lehrer, a 32 year old mother originally from Montreal, was found murdered and stuffed in a concrete drum in her New Jersey home. Her husband has been been arrested and is being held on $1 million bail.

http://www.torontosun.com/2011/09/24/montreal-womans-body-buried-in-concrete-family

Terribly sad. Prayers for her daughter and her family. Mary God rest her soul.

The beauty of the ordinary

My friend, Rod Dreher, lost his sister last week after a long battle with cancer. Ruthie Leming was only 42. In addition to Rod, she left behind two parents, a husband, and three young daughters.

Rod has written beautifully about Ruthie's struggle these past couple of years. I can't resist sharing with you all some of his most poignant pieces. I can't imagine the pain Ruthie's family must be in right now, but I hope you'll join me in lifting them up in prayer.

This made me cry.

Actually, so did this.

This is a lovely one from when Ruthie's fight was just beginning.

Heck, I think you should read all of Rod's posts about his sister. They are chock full of insights about ordinary life, love, family, and the ties that bind us together. Rod is bringing his sister Ruthie's story to millions through his writing. And that is a beautiful thing.

flashbacks

I just had the urge to watch the tribute video we made for Kelly-Anne's wake. I'm shocked I can now watch it without sobbing. Sure, I feel sad when I remember Kell's smile, her beautiful hair, her fun disposition--and the fact that she was taken from us so tragically. But I also feel happy when I see the photos from our childhood and teenage years.





Kell was a wonderful person and a great friend. My life was richer with her in it. It has now been more than seven years since I've received a postcard from Kell. Seven years since we had the chance to chat. Seven years since we've gone swimming or adventuring together. I miss her each and every day.