My Birthday

Yesterday was my birthday...another year older and another year wiser, so they say. I had a wonderful birthday despite the hearing that took place regarding Aaron's accident. The day started with a hot relaxing bath, then I got ready for the hearing. After the hearing, Aaron's parents, my mother and my grandmother went to lunch. We came home and played outside with the kids, swam and had an awesome meal that my mom to cooked just for me. I received many gifts which was not expected. It was a very nice birthday.

I know that many of you are wondering about what happened at the hearing. Aaron's mom, Linda, got up on the stand 1st and spoke. I was next, a co-worker from the base that was Aaron's friend went and then his friend John, that went to Church with us and that was riding with him the day of the accident, went last. I was touched at how deep that Aaron affected the lives of his friends. After we were done there were a few people who spoke on her behalf. Her mother and a doctor spoke then there was a small recess. During the recess she decided to get on the stand. She apologized many times for what had happened and said that she would do anything that we wanted. She received a 500.00 fine and community service speaking at defencive driving courses and possibly for drivers ed courses at the high schools. It was not determined specifically what type of community service exactly but, she will have to do that. I am very happy with the decision that was made, it was exactly what we wanted. If her speaking to others will make people think twice about obeying the traffic laws then maybe that will save someone elses life.
After the hearing Her mother came up to me and apologized and I told her that I forgave her and that I wanted to talk to her. I did in fact do that. I thought that that would be the hardest thing that I would have to do but it wasn't. I was very calm and told her that I forgave her and that there was something that I did in fact want her to do. She said anything, I told her that I wanted her to go to church and that if I had to take her I would. I also told her that I didn't want her trying to take her life and if she tried again that I would be upset with her. I told her that even though Aaron's death has brought a lot of bad to our lives it has also brought a lot of good to and that she could be another good thing that could come from it. She asked me if I wanted her phone # and I said yes. I told her I would call her and she said "you promise?". I told her yes I promise. I hugged her and we both cried.
I know that some of you can't understand how I could have done any of this. It is only because of Jesus Christ being in and a part of my life that I could have ever done it. Jesus forgave me therefore I forgive. 2 Corinthians 2:7 ...... "You ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow."

We are all trying to bring some closure to our lives so that we can live for what is most important and that is for Christ. In Philippians 3:13-14 Paul and and Timothy wrote to the people.... Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Do not take this wrong I will never ever forget Aaron!!!! I choose to forget the accident, the trial and the mistakes that I have made since then.

Always looking up~Christina~