There are some people who come into your life that bring so much joy and happiness, that you don’t realize the impact they had on you, or so many others, until they’re gone. On February 14th, I was home with the kids while Raelee was watching Eli and Emma as their parents enjoyed a night out. The call was from Missy on the other end of the line. The phone had rang several times, but because Amie and Robbie had come to pick the kids up, I ignored the first few. But then when I began to see unusual Facebook updates, I began to realize something was wrong. I could have never dreamed what that would be. Missy picked up and told me the news: both Rhyan and her mom, Lesley, has died (along with another mother and daughter) in a car accident after being hit head on, while headed to Kansas City MO for a volleyball tournament. I felt sick; I was in shock. There was nothing I could do or say. I walked into the kitchen, nearly in tears but truly too numb to cry, and told the family. The girls instantly broke down.
Over the next several days, there was an extreme cloud of sadness that covered our school. Former teachers, like myself, grieved over their loss and mourned for their siblings and for Justin. The community and our Tully family rallied in support by joining in prayer, honoring the girls as they were brought home and escorted by the fire department, running in an impromptu 5k, and bringing food and love to all affected. The visitation was unlike anything we’d ever seen. The girls and I waited in line for more than 2 hours. The family was broken. We felt their pain. The funeral was so emotional. From remarks by their Uncle Gary, tears of thankfulness from Justin, and words of encouragement and empathy from Southeast’s pastor, there was not a dry eye in the room.
We continue to reach out to be there- to do anything we can to love on these people. There’s not a day that goes by that we don’t think of them; pray for them. This world will never be the same.
