Thor Wayne

On December 18th there was a tragic incident within our family. Whitney's (Jay's stepsister) son, Thor, passed away unexpectedly. The only details Jay and I got were that he stopped breathing due to unknown natural causes, and was transported to a hospital where he was proclaimed brain dead, then was taken off life support and passed away.

 

An autopsy showed Thor had suffered a severe internal brain injury, which led to a homicide investigation. 

After five horrible days of not knowing the cause of Thor's death, we received an update: The 25 year old trusted babysitter watching Thor on December 18th (who also has an 18 month old son) confessed that she was having a rough day. She said Thor wasn't crying, she was "just frustrated" when she shook Thor violently then dropped him on the floor. The babysitter is now in jail and will be charged with a crime sentencing her 25 years to life. 

Losing a child is one thing, but to lose a child like that... There are no words. It is sickening and horrifying. I've been holding Evelyn extra close and looking at her in a new light, reminding myself how fragile she is and how very vulnerable I am as a mother.

I created this for Whitney, from a photo taken just after Thor was born. Such a precious moment between a mother and her newborn son.

Jay and I attended Thor's funeral this weekend. We were not at all thrilled about the reason for our visit, but it was wonderful to be surrounded by family, some of whom we hadn't seen in years. 

During a conversation with Kari I said something to the effect of, "I know God has a plan and tragedy is just a part of life, but THIS? Why does God allow horrifying things such as this to happen?"

Kari's response has stuck with me: "We all ask that question. But what we sometimes forget is that we can't see the big picture, but God can. Sometimes a family member or a dear friend is called to make the ultimate sacrifice to bring about the Lord's work. The Lord's work- that's what it's all about." She then pointed out all the good that has already come of this tragedy, such as the outpouring love and support that has been given to Whitney and Jake which has no doubt already softened their hearts a great deal. 

Kari concluded, "We learn a great deal from our trials." That is the truth. How grateful I am for the knowledge of the Gospel, which helps us bear the burdens of this life. We continue to ache for Whitney, Jake, and their three year old daughter, Mila. We trust that Thor is living among angels and will one day be reunited with his family.