Sad News

I have a friend at work, Tara, whose family has had to bear more tragedy than a a family should. January 2005 her niece, Sara Smart was abducted, murdered and concealed in a barrel and dumped in a pond. It was over a year before she was found.

Last summer, Tara's brother and Sara's father, Brian, died at his own hand.

Yesterday, Tara called me to let me know her nephew Collin, Sara's brother was found dead. They family suspects an overdose, but the authorities are still investigating. Collin was in his eary 20's and leaves behind a 3 yr old son.

Tara and her family are in Las Vegas for her son's National Motocross race so she is mostly alone during this horrible loss. It will take them at least two days to drive home and what a long trip that will be knowing what you are coming home to.

Please keep Tara and her family in your prayers. She is a strong woman, but how much more can they bear? Tara keeps all her burdens to herself and is very private. Please pray that we can successfully encourage her to seek grief counseling.

Sara's murderer is behind bars now and is awaiting trial on unrelated charges as well as the charges for Sara. It seems that he has also caused the death of Brian and Collin, indirectly. I don't think Collin would have been in the mental state he was, participating in the things he was doing if he had his family intact.

It was a very sad day.

Please pray for my friend.