Sometimes it’s hard to know how much to share on a blog. I mean, I want my online diary to contain each and every part of my life, and in general I think I tend to be fairly open and transparent. I am blessed by teens who love the fact I blog and love the fact I blog about them even more! Usually I don’t think about what to include and what not to.
Today is different. I have been absent for a while because of an incident with a member of our little family, which has left us all shell-shocked and totally concerned about the world in which our children live. You all know a year ago Thomas was robbed at knife point. I shared then the difficulties of coming to terms with the our teens growing up and going out into the world on their own and all they now have to face.
I can’t go into any details because of the ongoing court case, but a member of our family was involved in a potentially life threatening attack. Whilst all involved are, thank God, okay, the charge being brought against the attacker is attempted murder. Attempted murder. How does a mother move past that?
You see stuff on the news and in the papers, but all these things happen to other people. People you neither know nor love. Somehow, although you tut and shake your head at the horrors in the world today, there is still a disconnect. Horrors are now so frequent, and the dark side of life is so often now laid down for all to see. And we become accustomed to it; maybe even blasé about it.
But then it happens a bit too close to home, and you begin to realise that no-one is immune. No matter how much we protect our families, no matter how close we keep them, they are still vulnerable. This attack took place in broad daylight, in a busy, heavily populated area, a place traditionally deemed safe. And a place where each member of our family has been multiple times. Not a rough area. Not in the dark. Not down a quiet alley.
Sometimes loving other people so much is terribly hard
Praying for you so hard. One of our children was assaulted this summer – at a very “safe place” ( a church camp). It is a horrifying feeling, but I am so thankful that Jesus bears even these burdens. I pray for your child too, who I have come to know just a little through your blog.
Claire I am so, so sorry. I will be praying for you and your family. I’ve seen the knife crimes being reported over here in the news, but I had hoped before your story about Thomas that you were safe in your area. From where I live in the States it seems so quaint and peaceful. Darkness abounds, but it will not win. Peace and safety to you and yours.
Oh my goodness! That is not quite the curve ball I was expecting to hear about. I am so thankful that you are all OK.
It is impossible to understand what could possess someone to attack a child. Thank God everyone is going to be okay. We went through a life-and-death situation with our daughter several years ago, and it was the most traumatic thing I have ever experienced. One would much rather experience the pain instead of the child.
We are praying for your family. You are stronger than you know!
I am grateful to know that the attack was survived by your loved one, but understand that emotional damage is difficult to gauge. Thank God your little band of angelic scalliwags is so tightly knit, as it will be a tie that can help get through this.
I pray God’s mercy and compassion wash over you all; that you have peace in the midst of trial(because the Lord hasn’t left you). He is faithful.
You and yours have all my prayers tonight. I wish I could come and hold your hand.
I am so sorry that your family is going through this. Praying that this person never crosses your path again and that you all can move past this horror.
Blessings, Dawn
Praying for you all, Claire. Hugs and much love sent your way.
This is so horrible 🙁 I know approximately where you live, and I saw a news story which I think might be about what has happened, but I had no inkling it might be your family affected. I really hope that everyone is able to recover from it and get through the court case. Things just come out of the blue. You’re in my thoughts.
Oh my goodness! I’m praying for you.