Monday, January 5, 2009

In just a few minutes...

...it will be January 6th. To most people, that's not a huge deal. To me, and the majority of my family, it's a day that we won't soon forget. One year ago (in a few hours) my sister-in-law Kristy was shot and killed by her husband. It seems like yesterday that I was at church, teaching my girls, while the Bishop waited outside of my classroom. He knew what had happened, but just told me that I had to go home, now. Something happened in Barry's family. Driving home from church took at most, 5 minutes. During that long drive home, many, many things passed through my head, did Ann get hurt? Maybe she fell and broke her leg? And this. Dave shot Kristy. I quickly dismissed the thought, it was ludicrous. Husbands don't shoot their wives, even if they are separated. When I got home, Barry was upstairs, on our bed. Julian was toddling around. I found Barry face down on our bed, crying. I instantly freaked out, and demanded to know what happened. Barry looked at me, seriously crying, and said, "Dave shot Kristy."
After a stunned silence, I asked, "Is she ok?" He couldn't get any words out, he just shook his head. Not being able to focus on Julian or his safety, and mostly wanting something to do, I brought him downstairs to my mom. I told her what had happened and she started crying, it was then I finally realized that Kristy was dead. It was then I realized not only was Kristy dead, but it was her birthday, and I didn't call to wish her a happy birthday, to talk to her that one last time. I honestly don't remember a lot after that, I do know that I googled, trying to know, trying to gain some insight as to what had happened, if it was true. I found out all too soon, that it was in fact very true. I was shocked to see her mini-van on desertnews.com. The mini-van that she was so excited to get, and that I'd ridden in MANY times, from driving in California, to cruising around Milton, and watching movies with the kids. I was shocked to know that my mother-in-law was standing so close to the scene and had to witness something like this happen to her only daughter. I was just shocked. I cried a lot that day and for the coming weeks.

Like I said before, in some ways it seems like just yesterday, and in others it seems like such a long time ago. SO much has happened, mostly for the good. I want to write more, but my little one is crying, and sick. I just wanted to write that I didn't forget this year, and I'll always remember January 6.

8 comments:

Debbi said...

I still remember crying over Sarah's emotional post about this. We'll keep you guys and all of Barry's family in our prayers tomorrow.

Julie said...

I'm thinking of and praying for you and your family today!

Elizabeth said...

how hard it is for someone to go through this...you are in my thoughts today!

Anonymous said...

Big Hug to you and Barry.

Donnell Allan said...

I love you guys. This is such a sad day for so many of us.

I'm praying for you all.

AmyLynneBurdine said...

that was heartbreaking to read, but it reminds me so much of the loss of my sister 16 years ago. you guys are always in my thoughts & in my prayers.

Lindsey said...

Christia,
You and your family are in my prayers today. I cannot believe it has been a year. (((HUGS)))

Mary Jo said...

Oh Christia - just briefly reliving that day with you in this blog entry is heart wrenching. I can only imagine what you and your family and Barry's family has gone through. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. HUGS - MJ
PS - thank you for sharing your journey with us, it makes Kristy's light shine even brighter.