February 17, 2004

Things that Make me Depressed

This weekend, I received bad news. All the Blufftonites who read it know what I'm talking about, but I feel like sharing some of my feelings for once. For all of you with out friends in the Northwestern Ohio region, here is what happened. On Saturday, 3 students from the high school were traveling back from a wrestling match. They were going along a road I've driven on many times. The students ran a stop sign and were T-boned by a car with the right of way. The result was Ricky Matter, a 15-year old freshman, was killed. There are several articles that do a much better job describing him than I ever could here and here

My mom called tonight to tell me about the wake and funeral which were held. More than 2000 people went through the viewing line, which was held at the High School, since there would have been no where else in town that could handle even half that number. The line was snaked through all the floors of the building, up and down stairways, just to fit people inside. The funeral was in the gymnasium, and she thought about 1500 people attended that as well.

I can't even begin to comprehend what the others in the accident must be going through. The other teen who was driving the car must be beside himself with grief, I know I would. The driver of the car which collided with the students probably is not doing any better himself.

This is the second tragedy to hit Bluffton in less than two months. On New Years Eve/Day, Kyle Luginbuhl, who was attending Ohio University, fell off a balcony and was killed. He was another amazing young man, and it was very upsetting for many when he died as well.

*edit*
Based on the official accident report, it was the 16 year old driver of the car carrying Ricky that ran the stop sign, not the other driver. Corrected mis information.

Someday I'll find out why tragedies like this happen, and if mosquito's are just a practical joke.

Posted by Cynan at February 17, 2004 11:13 PM
Comments

Tim, that was a wonderfully well written article. Thanks for writing it.

Posted by: Jeff at February 18, 2004 05:45 PM

Thanks, Tim.

Honestly, though? I don't think things like this DO happen for a reason. I feel comforted knowing that this wasn't part of "God's plan," that God grieves as much for Ricky and Kyle as we do -- more, actually. I hate it when people talk about "God's will" and "God's plan." God doesn't want this. We just have to remember that we were blessed by their presence, no matter how short a time they were with us.

Posted by: Meg at February 19, 2004 07:27 PM

For an update and conclusion to Kyle's Death, go here: http://www.limanews.com/story.php?IDnum=4226

I don't know how I feel about this...

Posted by: Jeff at February 21, 2004 11:18 AM
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