"July 04th-comes too early"

 I hear sounds of "Early" Fireworks-the stands are open- the race is on for days of non-stop  Fireworks Displays. This date-July 04, 1990 is always with us, there is no place to run or hide
from the memories of the nightmare we faced that day.......

The Phone rang too Early, it couldn't be my Husband- he had just left for work, yet a sense of dread filled me as I answered the call.  It was from a Police Lieutenant, wanting to know where my husband was.  Something in his voice had my attention as I started demanding "What is Wrong with My Husband?"  His tone lightened, as he assured me all was fine, but he needed to speak with Matt.  The nerves in my stomach tightened- Something was Very Wrong and I begged him to have my husband call me when he got to the Station.

Minutes were dragging by-the clock read 4:45am-nothing made sense- the phone rang again, I grabbed it while praying "Please God let my Husband be alright" but it was my Sister-in-law, asking if "Mom" had spent the night with us- my Mother-in-law would visit us often but not this day.  Her next words sent chills through me-"Oh the Alarm Place called, they are saying the Alarm System at Mom's house is going off but she isn't answering the phone!"  

I lost track of her words-as I started piecing calls together-feeling sick with Fear- I tried to ease her fears, promising to call her if I heard any further news.  She told me her oldest Brother had already left for his Mom's house-a voice was screaming inside my heart- "Pray Hard-Don't Stop!"  I hung the phone up, only to hear it ring again- my Husband's words were choppy, fast, sharp as he said"Martha-something has happened to Mom!  I don't know what is wrong but I have to go now!"

The phone fell from my hand, and I started sobbing  "Dear God, Please be with Mom!"  I knew-God was right beside her! It seemed as if time had stopped-and one final call from my dear husband was the
was the Beginning of our Heartbreak as he choked out words-no Son should have to speak                    
                                                            "Martha, Mom is dead!"

We learned a "Repeat Offender" who had been in and out of the Prison System-broke into her home, ransacked the house, then severely beat and stabbed my beloved Mother-in-law Six times.  He was caught that morning, and confessed to killing her, and is in Prison for the rest of his life.

Why did this happen to a Woman who was filled with love for all,  reminding us each night "Before you Go to Sleep, Make sure you Say your Prayers!" Heaven has one very  Special Angel who watches over us.

The Fourth of July will never be easy for us-but by the Grace of God, we keep finding our way through, as we choose to recall the good memories of "Aggie."  She taught me about God's amazing Love every second I was with her.

I will miss her forever.....  God bless everyone, especially "Victims of Violent Crime."  Martha