Today would have been my brother Robin`s 56 birthday, had we not received that dreadful phone call. Six months before his 16th birthday, Robin was working on a a local horse farm. A friend asked if he wanted to work overtime, for $2.46 an hour baling hay; Robin eagerly jumped on the chance to earn extra cash.
I had just graduated from high school, still living at home, the phone rang; the call that no family ever wants to receive! Robin was involved in a farming accident, we where instructed to meet the ambulance at the local hospital. Mom, dad and I frantically followed instructions and began the 20 minute drive. I remember asking God to please let Robin be O.K! Was this plea the beginning of my prayer life?
Psalms 34:18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Upon our arrival at the hospital, we learned that the ambulance had not yet arrived. Opening our minds, for more fear and anxiousness to settle in hearts. Where were they, how bad was this accident?
Moments later the emergency room doors opened, the stretcher that carried my brother lifeless body rolled right past our waiting eyes. To this very day, I can still see my brother`s paler that pale body being wheeled to the emergency room. We were soon told that my brother Robin died, approximately 10 minutes before his arrival at the hospital.
The events of this summer day in mid July 1969, changed our family forever. How does a family recover from such a shocking untimely ordeal? Sadly, we did not have a church family or intimate relationship with God, however, as I reflect on this, there is no doubt that God`s prevenient grace was extended to each and everyone of us.
Friends and family flocked to our sides, no doubt responding to God`s call on their lives. Shoulders to lean on, in our time of desperation and loss; love fellowship, food, flowers and lots of prayer for our entire family`s well being.
Isaiah 54:10 Though the mountains be shaken and the hill removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
God used this devastating tragedy in my life to open the portals of my heart; developing and nurturing within me the gift of love, compassion and empathy. At a very young age,the death of my younger brother, Robin brought to life these gifts that other wise may have laid dormant for decades.
Weeks after Robin`s death we received in the mail, his final paycheck, for $2.46. Merely, adding insult and injury to a family`s loss; more than likely done to legally protect his employer. $2.46 a small price to pay for a life time of grief, pain and loss of a young sibling!
I pray that someday, Robin will greet me at Heaven`s Gate. Happy Birthday, Robin. Amen!
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