Peyton

I will update about my weekend in Alabama soon, I promise. This week is going to be pretty hectic (I have 14 parent conferences scheduled!) so it may not be until later in the week. Tonight I wanted to take the time to post something else.

Growing up, I had no first cousins. My first cousin was born when I was 6, so until the age of 6 I was cousinless. Therefore, I grew up with my parents first cousins- I looked at them like my first cousins. I was probably closer to my second and third cousins then normal people are.

My dad has a cousin named Patrick. Patrick is 17 years older than me, but growing up I thought he was the coolest person ever. I always loved getting to see Patrick. I was probably 5ish when he got married to Lashae. My parents always joked about how after the rehearsal I wouldn't let his bride-to-be ride with him because I had to ride with him. If he hadn't of been my cousin, I might have tried to steal him from her.


Anyway, Patrick and Lashae have been married for years now and have their own little family- Peyton and Mckenna. Yesterday my Aunt Betty Jean took Peyton and Wesley (a different cousin) to the Auburn game for Peyton's 14th birthday (which was today). On the way home from the game, Peyton was taking a nap in the back seat so he wasn't buckled in. Something happened and Aunt Betty Jean had to correct the car, but in the process over corrected and the car flipped. Peyton was ejected and killed instantly. Thankfully, Aunt Betty Jean and Wesley escaped with minor injuries.

It's hard enough to understand why God takes our loved ones. It's even harder when it's a young life like Peyton's. I didn't have the joy of knowing Peyton, we had only met a few times. But my heart is broken for my cousin Patrick and his entire family. The visitation is tomorrow and the funeral is Tuesday- please pray for them. Pray for my Aunt Betty Jean- that she won't beat herself up over this and that the Lord will give her peace about it being an accident. Pray for Patrick, his wife and daughter, and his sisters and their families as they deal with this. And pray for the extended family who is suffering also.

Peyton, I'm sorry that I didn't have the joy of knowing you personally since we only met a few times. If you were anything like your dad, then I know I would have loved you. Happy 14th birthday! I can only imagine what an amazing birthday it was- being welcomed home into the arms of our Savior. I have heard so much about your short life and I know that it will be talked about for years. Your story has already brought people to Christ and I pray that it continues to do so. Be sure to find my lala- knowing her, she was there to welcome you at the gates and made sure that the best party possible was thrown. Your family loves you and will miss you and your sweet smile forever.