They're both super achievers - Tony's a golf pro who's worked as an instructor for ESPN, and is an assistant coach for the Nebraska Husker golf team. Jess is a fundraiser for the University of Nebraska. They're both the kind of people who really live life, and it's been fun to see them living their lives together.
Last weekend, they caught a movie near their home in Omaha. Jess was driving them home; they were going to eat some birthday cake that she had brought home from her niece's party earlier in the day. They sat at a stoplight a few blocks from their house and when their light turned green, Jess pulled their car into the intersection.
At that moment, a drunk driver sped through his own red light and slammed into Jess and Tony's car.
The driver is an 18-year old repeat offender. He was arrested for DUI in August and was still making his way through the system on that charge. He was hurt, too, though not seriously thankfully. He's been arrested, and so was the 28 year old adult who provided this minor with alcohol before he hit the road on a suspended license.
It took over an hour for paramedics and rescuers to free Jessica from the car. She was without oxygen all that time. She and Tony were rushed to the hospital where Tony had emergency surgery and Jessica remained in a coma. They lay side-by-side in Intensive Care for days; Tony asking everyone who came in and out of the unit to pray for his wife. Prayers pored in for the two of them; from friends, family and strangers alike.
After three days, Jessica died. She was 26 years old. She died just like she lived: with love and grace. Jess was an organ donor who gave the gift of live to three other individuals.
Tony's physical injuries are being tended to at the hospital, still. He'll be released for a few hours today to attend his young wife's funeral. And then he'll go back to the hospital, climb into his bed and continue recovering.
I physically hurt for Tony - I can't imagine what he's dealing with. Actually, I can imagine it; and what's going through my head is so incredibly scary and awful. But I believe, my family believes, there's a reason for all this. We don't know why, we don't know what's the plan but there is a reason. Maybe one of the three people whose lives Jessica saved will end up saving someone else...and someone else...and someone else in some way. Maybe they'll cure cancer.
Or maybe Jess and Tony's story will inspire someone not to drink and drive. Or buy alcohol for a minor. Or maybe it will inspire someone else to become an organ donor. And the chain of giving will go on and on. I don't know.
What I do know is that my heart is heavy and my outfit of the day today is funeral appropriate. I hope to be back in the swing of things here on Bombshell Beauty next week. Until then, hug the ones you love. Don't drink and drive. And consider becoming an organ donor, Bombshells.
Lots of love,
Sara
My prayers go out to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteOh Dear God. I am full of chills after reading this. This is sick and sad. I am thinking and praying for you all.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if I've ever commented. But I'll come out of lurking mode to let you know that your post made me cry, and I'll be praying for your family - especially your cousin. How horribly tragic.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss and will send prayers to your family.
ReplyDeleteIt's infuriating that people are still incredibly irresponsible with drinking and driving no matter how many horrific stories we hear. Again, I'm so sorry for your family.
I can't say anything except that I'm so sorry for your entire family; in fact I'm sorry for the world for losing someone like Jessica. And prayers to Tony for his broken heart.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss, and I'll keep your family in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHow incredibly sad and maddening. There are no words to express my saddness and anger. If there is some good to the end result, it is that others will use her donated organs and perhaps someone will stop before drinking and driving.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for her husband and family and friends.
I'm so very sorry for your loss. I'll keep your family and your cousin in my thoughts. How absolutely tragic.
ReplyDeleteHow awful! I'm so sorry. Please let your family know we're out here praying for them (and you).
ReplyDeleteI am so terribly sorry. Praying for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I hope that your family finds a way to cope with this horrible tragedy.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you and your family today. It sounds like Jessica was a wonderful, vivacious, and generous person who will be greatly missed. With her death she gave the gift of life through her organ donations, and that is a miraculous thing. I hope that Tony is able to mend physically and mentally, and to remember his wife as the beautiful person she was and not for the horrible way she lost her life.
ReplyDeleteThat is so terrible. Drunk driving is something that is so dangerous, and yet so many people still do it. I can't believe people. I can't even imagine losing the love of my life that short after our wedding. I am so sorry for your family and you. Lots of love and prayers are headed your way. I'm so sorry.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteSo sad and I'm so sorry. Saying prayers for all. Godspeed Jessica.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers will be with you and your family.
ReplyDelete~Sophia
Fit&FabLiving
Oh Sara, I'm so sorry. I was afraid when I started reading your post that that's where it was going and yet I was still shocked. I DETEST drinking and driving! I almost feel sorry for this 18 year old kid who now has to live with what he did......something soooo incredibly preventable. Peace to you and your family. God is wonderful. Serene
ReplyDeleteSuch sad news. I am very sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteWords can't express how sorry I am for Tony and for your entire family...may God bless and heal...
ReplyDeleteIt happens so quickly doeesn't it? We never expect it, especially of young people who have so much life ahead of them. I am sickened, sad and angry. Hugs to you and yours. You, Tony and all involved are in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry that this happened. If it's an consolation this has been big news here (I live in Omaha) and is not going away. People who didn't/don't know them are constantly saying prayers for your (their) family (families). It's too bad the world lost such an amazing person, it's too bad your cousin, your family, lost such an amazing person.
ReplyDeletesorry for your loss sara...
ReplyDeleteSara,
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and your family...You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry. I just don't know what else to say. I am incredibly sorry.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThis broke my heart. I am sitting here crying. My condolences to your family and especially to Tony.
ReplyDeleteoh my goodness, my heart goes out to you all! I am so very sorry to hear of this. Thank you for sharing with us, you all are in my prayers. love, Anika
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tragedies like this is the reason that even if I have only one drink I do not drive. It is so not worth the risk of destroying someone else's life.
ReplyDeleteWords cannot express how deeply sorry I am for this loss to your family.
Wow...my thoughts and prayers are with you, your cousin, and the rest of your family. What a tragic loss. I'm so sorry. :(
ReplyDeleteI wish everyone would understand how dangerous it is to drink and drive.
What a terrible trajedy. I'm so very sorry. I will be praying for you, your family and especially Tony.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. My prayers go out to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI must have missed this post. I am at a loss for words. This is just so so sad!! Prayers are being sent up for your family.
ReplyDeleteWhen my dad passed away someone gave my mother a book that really helped us..I cannot remember the name of it but I will find out and let u know.
xo
Blair