March 11, 2017
11:30 p.m.


I've been struggling with this tragedy, because I would much rather be able to tell a happy story with a fairy-tale ending, and it's just not possible. There's no way to understand the things that happen sometimes. There is only confusion and mourning.

I'm so sorry. So very sorry.

The story we know to date is that on the morning of March 10, 2017, a vehicle was driven into the home of a Green River family, badly injuring four adults and a one-year-old little girl.

Later that day, Debra Devries died from her injuries at Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County.

One-year-old Stella Doak, who had celebrated her first birthday the day before, was life-flighted to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City in critical condition. Today, March 11th, at age one-year and two days, Stella took a second flight, the one that leads to the next realm.

It is a tragedy for all concerned that this beautiful child is no longer with her family. I cannot begin to imagine the suffering of her parents. I cannot express how sorry I am.

One does not expect to be involved in a car accident while sitting in their living room. Our homes are our safe havens. They are the places we go to feel comforted and loved. I'm sure they all expected to sit inside the house and visit with family; perhaps share a meal or watch a movie. Certainly they would have felt safe from any traffic related accidents.

Yet two innocent people are dead, and three more remain in the hospital at this time. Hopefully those three will make complete recoveries.

Something happened, yes--something terribly bad. I don't know how or why. Questions are zooming through the minds of many, I'm sure.

The pain of March 10th is not going away anytime soon; this family will need love, attention, prayers and lots of help in order to heal.

Please pray for all who are suffering at this time. Make a donation, deliver a meal, send a message of hope and love. If you know them, hug the family members and remind them that they're not alone.
This can be a wonderful community, and I hope we can all act like first class members of said community and come together for the good of all concerned.
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March 12, 2017
11:28 p.m.

I didn't have the heart to post any of this last night. I'm not a friend or a member of the families concerned, and so I didn't want to step out of bounds.

But then I decided the family deserves to be reminded that their community cares--that although I don't know them personally, I still care that they have suffered a tremendous loss. They deserve to know that I am only one of many, many people who are praying for them and wishing them healing, strength and love.

If you don't know what or who I am talking about, here's link with some of the story:

http://www.sweetwaternow.com/756-pm-memory-stella-doak/

This story includes a wonderful example of community members coming together to help. It is inspiring to know that people have gotten organized so quickly.

Here's another link to help the family:

https://www.gofundme.com/supporting-stella

Little Stella and her great-grandmother have moved on, but the families will still need help; the bills will still be coming. If you can do so, please help.

Little Stella Doak and her great-grandmother Debra DeVries were well loved by their families and friends and will be greatly missed. We can take comfort in knowing that they are together and will reunite with those who love them in God's time.

In the meantime, they can be remembered and honored by caring for those who remain here without them. Please respect their privacy, refrain from the urge to make hateful comments about the case, and do what you can to help in their time of need.

To family and friends--my condolences. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Fly high, sweet little one and fly high great-grandmother. Hold on to each other, and FLY.