Let me introduce you to my Dad and Brother-in-law

They were both killed today when stopped at a red light on their motorcycles. They were hit from behind by a man who never touched his brakes upon approaching the intersection.

My Dad was 80 and my brother-in-law was just 50. My sister lost her father and husband and her children lost their father and grandfather. I lost my Dad and brother-in-law and my children lost their grandfather and uncle. At this time we do not know what caused the driver to do what he did. Was it a medical condition? drugs? alcohol? cell phone? Who knows. All I know is that they are both gone and my family is devastated.

If you read my blog this past Sunday, I posted this pic of my Dad along with a few others. This picture was his last one taken. But for the grace of God, my husband Steve could have been at that light with them. They were all in Myrtle Beach along with a few of Jimmy's friends enjoying Bike Week. Steve and the others had gone through the light while still green but Dad and Jimmy waited at the red light.

I was so fortunate to have had my dad with me this past weekend. We spent some daddy-daughter time on Sunday morning while my husband still slept. My dad was so looking forward to this trip with his two sons-in-law. My dad lived every day of his life to the fullest. He golfed 4 times a week and rode his motorcycle every single day. He loved it! He was never sick a day in his life! I am so fortunate to have had him for so long. He was my biggest cheerleader in life and was so supportive of all my weight loss efforts. I will have a treasure chest full of memories of my dad.

Jimmy was just starting to enjoy life. He was always a hard worker and many times during his 20+ year marriage to my sister, he worked 3 and sometimes 4 jobs so my sister could be home with their two children. My sister went to school during this time and just recently went back to work as a teacher. The additional income allowed him to cut back on his workload so that he could spend more time with his family. I am grateful that they had this time.

Please keep my family in your prayers. My husband will be driving back to Fl tomorrow on his motorcycle without my dad and I know this is killing him. He told me many times that he didn't really want to go on this trip but was just going to take care of my dad. Although he'll never say it, I know his heart is hurting because he will feel like he failed. That's who my husband is. While I will thank God every day for sparing my Steve, I will never go a day without thinking about these two great men who were taken from us so violently and tragically.

Life is so precious...you just don't know what is going to happen from one moment to the next.