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 On Wednesday, October 2, 1996, our neighbor that lived down the street knocked on our back door. She came in and told us she had seen our daughter's car and that it had been in an accident. We asked how bad it was and she said she thought it was pretty bad. They had to cut the door open so they could get her out. We were shocked and scared. Hannah called the hospital and asked about her. They said she had been sent to Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga. Her mother called Erlanger and they said she had been airlifted there. We contacted relatives and prayed and started for Chattanooga. We still didn't know exactly what had happened. The police had not contacted us and never did so. When we arrived at Chattanooga, they were still working on Heahter. We waited a long time. We learned that a 17-year-old boy had been driving recklessly, trying to pass two cars on a double yellow line in the rain, had lost control and smashed headlong into Heather's car. Witnesses said she had come alost to a full stop and she had her seatbelt on because one of the witnesses reported undoing it. We were allowed to see her that night for a little while. At first we were told she was not seriously hurt and would probably recover. But she died on October 5, 1996, of brain death. This was extremely hard for us to accep. Even though we knew Heather was a gift from God to us, yet it was so hard to accept that God had taken her back. We had spent many hours in prayer for her throughout her life - when she was sick, and for each problem that came along. She was a fine Christian girl and we couldn't understand why God allowed this to happen to her when she had tried to hard to live for Him. He could have done so many things to protect her. But we know that God is in charge and He allowed it for a purpose - even though it hurt us tremendously. We know He is taking good care of her and we will see her again someday. Heather's funeral was held at McMinnville Funeral Home on October 8, 1996. Hundreds of people came and many flowers were given. Bro. James Bell of Gallatin, Tennessee, Bro. Nestor Stewart and Bro. John Clontz of McMinnville officiated at the funeral. The Barber Sharps sang. Heather was buried in Mt. View Cemetery, McMinnville, Tennessee. Later a mausoleum was erected and she was moved into it. Heather was a loving daughter and a precious gift from God - we will love and miss her always.  |