Neighborhood Tragedy

[Magickman]

Neighborhood Tragedy

A terrible thing happened, involving my across-the-street neighbors. They are a good family, who I have known for over 30 years. Their first son is a police officer. He is among the finest young men in our community.

But their other son, who was a gifted scholastic athlete, has come to tragedy. He took to drinking and drugs, and has been in trouble with the law.

The tragedy occurred recently, when, after a night of drinking, the second son raped and murdered a neighborhood woman; a terrible and gruesome crime.

The crime was unspeakable, but I do not blame the family for the sins of the son.

I want to support the family, who have so long been good neighbors to me.

How can I show Christian love and fellowship to this family, in an appropriate manner?

 

[gmarie21]

Let them know that you are praying for them (and their son) and ask if there is anything that you can do to help them (maybe make them a meal or something, because I’m sure the stress is HIGH right now).

 

[Nepenthe]

Just be there. Be there. Such things have happened to families more than a few times in my life (one of my best friend’s brothers committed double suicide with his best friend early this year…and being loving to the rest of them was all I could do, but things are easing now, thank goodness. The pain will remain, but they are moving on now.)

You obviously care deeply, and that is what means the most. Don’t be afraid to show it. Especially look after the parents, and the other siblings too if you can - it’s such a hard load to bear, but we can do it, if we pull together.

 

[petitfleur]

Most people dont know what to say in such a situation so they say nothing-just be friendly to them-smile wave bake cookies-you can even say I just dont know what to say but I want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers. A nice Christmas card?

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

God bless you for not rejecting this family out of hand, because of the crimes of one of them.:grouphug:

All of these are great ideas (particularly the meal and cookies). Simply not treating them as outcasts because their son chose the wrong path is the best gift you can give them.

You know this has to be killing them inside, esp. with a brother who is law enforcement.

 

[BamaRider]

In reality 2 families have lost a loved one. I’m sure he will go to jail for a very long, if not forever.

You have been neighbors for over 30 years, I suspect they probably look at you as family. I echo the earlier advice, ask if anything you can do, and remain in their lives. Ask if they want to tawk about it, to let you know.

 

[Ruthie]

Just some random thoughts…

I suffer from depression. One of the things that happens is you have no energy to take care of yourself, and simple chores look like huge mountains to climb. If people ask you how they can help, you can’t think, so you say, “I dunno…”

So here are some suggestions based on that knowledge.

The night before trash pick-up, go over and say, “I’m here to empty and take out your trash.”

Whichever of these applies in your area: Shovel the walk, water and mow the lawn, sweep the sidewalk, rake the leaves.

Drop by frequently, and look for things that need doing - dusting, vacuuming, fixing a toilet - and just do them.

Go over in the morning and do the dishes.

Ask them where they need to be when, and make sure they get there. Be their alarm clock; offer them a ride; whatever.

If and when they get all grateful, tell them that, when they are back on their feet, you don’t want them to feel awkward. Don’t say something like “I’m sure you’d do the same for us,” because that implies a debt. More like, “You all just need your load lightened right now, that’s all.”

And keep on praying for them and both their sons.

I will, too.

Ruthie