Slow Down

It has been a little over a week now since we lost two precious friends. Bridger and M'gwire Ferguson were killed on December 18th in a car accident. Bridger was a fourth grader (Avery's age) and M'gwire was a first grader. Avery and Bridger aren't in the same class this year, but they were in second grade and on same basketball teams. Ironically, Bridger is the only friend that Avery has had come over for a sleep over. We aren't big on the sleep over idea, but Bridger and Avery played a lot in second grade and Bridger was persistent on the idea. He would call and call and call asking if he could and I finally gave in. It was a fun night for the boys. They played video games and made a fun bed in the storage closet to sleep in. Avery and Bridger also spent some time swimming together at the Logan pool. I will add those photos later ( my laptop is in the shop and it has those photos on it).

The accident came as a shock and reminder of what we should hold so dear. My heart just ached for days . I had to go to school the next three days and have the kids ask me questions and tell me stories of Bridger and M'gwire all day. It was hard to get any work done the first day especially. We signed posters, raised money, sang Christmas Carols and for the most part of the last three days before the funeral, we thought about Bridger, M'gwire and the Ferguson family. Avery would often cover his ears and say that he didn't want to hear about it anymore, that his head hurt from all the sadness. Avery is a sensitive little guy and it hit close to home for him.

Wednesday was the funeral. I pulled Avery out of school and we went to pay our respects. The funeral was wonderful. The foyer was all decorated with their sports uniforms, balls, bikes, ski boards, etc. They were big into sports and especially Bridger was a scrapper. He was going to go far. The chapel was filled, the gym was filled and people were standing in the back. They were loved by many. Most of the fourth and first graders were there with their parents, many teachers, the principal and countless family and friends. The family have nine children, each of them spoke of memories of the boys. It brought back many memories of my childhood and what I think that my brothers would say. They have a lot in common with how we are as a family. They love the outdoors and sports. Most of the stories were about that. It is amazing that something so tragic can pull everyone together for the better. The Ferguson's will of course have many hard days ahead, but I took strength and comfort with me after the funeral because of their testimonies of family and the Plan of Salvation. They strengthened us more than I bet we are strengthening them. School will be so different now. We will miss these two great boys. We love you Bridger and M'gwire.

Bridger-10

M'gwire- 7

Following the funeral, we all grabbed a balloon, Orange and Blue for Mountain Crest colors. As the Hurse drove out on route to the cemetery, we all let them go together. It was such a great symbol of our love to them. It was by far the best funeral that I have attended.

I drove the route, following the balloons that were all tied along the road. Somebody went to a lot of work with the balloons on their behalf. They were everywhere. I saw these balloons tied to the "SLOW" sign and found it symbolic. I took a photo to remind me that life is precious, short and can change in an instant. Am I in a place where if that happens, I am prepared? I know that I am NOT and I need to be. There are so many things that we all can do better and the time is now. I know that I am going to SLOW DOWN. I am going to cherish every moment with my children, good and bad. I want to soak in every minute and make them count, for tomorrow may not be.

Thank you Bridger and M'Gwire for reminding me. Now, it's up to me to do something about it.

We hope and pray for peace to be with your family till you meet again.