One loss is no more important than another

Something has been on my mind since the news of Paul Walker and his friend and driver of the vehicle, Roger Rodas. I have seen many posts in the social media world such as, "A celebrity dies and everyone makes such a big deal. What about all those children that die every day." Etc etc. I get what these people are trying to say... people die every day and no one talks about them or cares... soldiers, children, a mother, a father... but when a celebrity dies then it's national news and everyone in the world mourns. I get it.

First, I would like to say duh.

     ce·leb·ri·ty

     səˈlebrətē

     noun

1. a famous person.

     fa·mous

     ˈfāməs

     adjective

1. known about by many people.

A lot of people know of famous people. Of course, many people will have a reaction. That does NOT make their death any less important. A celebrity is a person too. They have family and loved ones just like each of you. Part of being famous means that you have an impact on others. Many people probably don't know Paul Walker (for example) personally; however, he might have impacted their lives in some way. I have many examples in my personal life (one that I'll share). There was a little boy by the name of Lane Goodwin. I never met this person, but his life impacted me in so many ways. The night he passed, I cried in bed, begging God for answers of why things like this happen. My heart ached. Death is sad for those left behind. People watch movies and celebrities and it feels like part of your life. You feel like you know them, even though you don't. It's part of it.

Second, (and I could be completely wrong about this) the people posting those things are probably trolls. I highly doubt you mourn the loss of every person on this planet that dies. It's impossible and you would be the most depressed person in this world if you did. We can't solve all of the problems in this world, nor can we stop death. There is still no cure for life, as far as I know. I think there are so many important issues out there with children being slaughtered and soldiers dying that have fought for their country. There are "regular" people that have died, and there could have been something extraordinary about them. It's awful. The media cannot report on everything (not that they always report on the important things either). Every time that I find something new about how someone is dying or has died, my heart aches for them. 

People post and are so public about celebrities because people know them. People can "relate." Naturally, most people aren't going to read the news and then post about a little boy dying in Africa. It's not the popular thing among people. It's a sad fact. We live in a world filled with sheep. People are afraid to step out from the pack. People are afraid of their own voice. They are more comfortable speaking with the group. I know this does not hold true for every person, but you tell me that this does not hold true for the masses and I'll call you on your bluff.

If you want people to know about the little boy that died in Africa then speak up. Let your voice be heard. Tell people about the little boy. You take the step. Don't bash people for mourning the loss of a celebrity. It's wrong. Like I said, I know what you're really trying to say when you're doing it. However, do so in a positive way. Educate yourself. Educate the people.

| c.l.s | 2013

R.I.P. Paul Walker and Roger Rodas and Tyreece Jordan Naicker (little boy in Africa).

May your loved ones find the strength to cope. <3

Prayers for Kaytryn

Yesterday I was notified that one of my sorority sisters had been in a car wreck and was being life-flighted to Vanderbilt. Kaytryn is my Alpha Gam grandlittle aka grandkiddo. We didn't know each other very well, but I have spent some time around her. She is so sweet.

She was by herself when she wrecked. She went to turn onto a road and another car couldn't avoid it and hit her. I was told that she is suffering with brain damage, a broken femur, pelvis, & sternum, and she has a punctured lung. I was also notified that she was put on life support this morning. It breaks my heart to hear such news. My heart goes out to her and her family. I really hope that she pulls through. She is so young and has so much life ahead of her. All we can do is pray and hope for the best. Miracles can happen and I hope Kaytryn receives one.

This is just another example that life is so short. You never know what could happen to you or anyone you know and love. Cherish everyone and let them know that they are loved. Don't ever wait or assume someone knows. Make sure to tell them. Also be nice to people... a simple smile or kind word could brighten a person's day.

If you read this, please pray for Kaytryn and her family. She needs all that she can get.

Source:  West Kentucky Star, Kentucky State Police



UPDATE   Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 6:02 p.m.
My little just texted me and told me that Kaytryn isn't getting any worse... She did clinch her fist, which is a good sign. However, she is still on life support. Please say a prayer for her. Thanks.

UPDATE   Tuesday, April 3, 2012 - 7:44 p.m.
They're going to reset her broken bones tomorrow. She's stable enough to handle the surgery so hopefully everything goes according to plan.

UPDATE   Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 10:34 a.m.
We have a good update. She moved around last night in her sleep, and she moved her arm during her bath. She also bent her knee some too. She's going into surgery around noon today. The doctors are trying to promote movement in her eyes. The swelling in her brain has gone down. Tomorrow they will do an MRI and be able to determine how bad her brain damage is.  She is still on life support, feeding tube, breathing tube, and has multiple IV's. She also has something in her brain. So please continue to pray. She needs them all.

UPDATE   Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 6:42 p.m.
Kaytryn's family has posted a website to keep everyone updated on how she is doing:
Caring Bridge.
I will continue to post here as well. I failed to mention in the beginning that Kaytryn is in a coma and has been since the accident. There is still no word on how the surgery went. I will wait for an update. Keep praying.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2012 3:45 PM, CDT

[Prayers for Kaytryn


Friends,


Speaking for the entire Parrish family, your prayers are greatly appreciated and felt every moment. Many of you know, our beautiful Kaytryn was in a car accident Monday afternoon. She was life flighted to Vanderbilt Hospital and is suffering from severe brain trauma, a crushed pelvis, broken femur, and a punctured lung. She is currently in a coma and has not been conscious since the accident.


Today is a crucial day, the doctors have just taken her back to the surgery room to repair her pelvis and femur. Her vital signs are currently stable and an MRI will be done on Thursday to determine the extent of the damage.


Right now, prayer should be lifted to God for healing to her brain, pupil dilation, signs of improvement, a smooth surgical procedure, and a positive MRI report.


We have had so many friends and family reach out to us over the last few days, and we are so appreciative of all your support. We are so thankful for each and every one of you. There are so many people asking if there is anything they can do to help. We would just ask that you continue to lift Kaytryn up in prayer and ask God to put his healing hands on her. There is no better medicine than the power of prayer.


Matthew 21:12 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will recieve, if you have faith.]

UPDATE   Wednesday, April 4, 2012 - 9:38 p.m.
The surgery went well. The doctor repaired her pelvis and femur. I think I may have been wrong about the broken sternum. Again, I am getting information from friends and now the family's website. Her brain also remained stable during the surgery. Tomorrow is the day for the MRI and the results should be in Friday for that. They have been trying to dilate her eyes, but she isn't responding to it. Pray for her recovery.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4, 2012 8:07 PM, CDT

[Out of Surgery


Praise the Lord! Kaytryn is out of surgery, everything went well! The doctor was able to repair her pelvis and femur. They don't anticipate any future surgeries to repair broken bones. Her brain remained stable throughout the surgery.


We have overcome another hurdle, keep up the praying. We enjoy reading all your messages, they are keeping our spirits up during this very difficult time. Please continue to pray for healing of her brain.


"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore." Psalm 121: 1-8]

UPDATE   Thursday, April 5, 2012 - 4:00 p.m.
Kaytryn was suppose to undergo many tests to determine her situation and how bad her brain damage is. I have yet to hear anything further really. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012 10:45 AM, CDT

[Important Request


Today will be a crucial day for Kaytryn and family. She will be undergoing multiple tests to determine her situation. It will be a very emotional day for the family. We ask for expressions of support to be limited to well wishes and prayers. We will continue to post updates. We respectfully ask that hospital visitation be limited to immediate family members and clergy.


Thank you for your continued prayers and support.]

UPDATE   Thursday, April 5, 2012 - 5:25 p.m.
I still don't have much information except that the results came in and her status is pretty much the same as it has been. We just have to keep praying and hopefully we'll see improvements.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

THURSDAY, APRIL 5, 2012 9:14 PM, CDT

[More Prayers Needed


We received the test results this afternoon. They were not what we were hoping for, but we are all still firm believers in God's miracles. Please keep the prayers and well wishes coming - they are truly inspirational to us. As requested earlier, please express support through well wishes and prayers. We respectfully continue to ask that hospital visitors are limited to family and clergy.


Again, thank you for your continued support and prayers. We will continue to post updates as they develop.]

UPDATE   Friday, April 6, 2012 - 3:10 p.m.
Still no change :(

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2012 3:10 PM, CDT

[Kaytryn has been surrounded by thirty five of her family members as she continues to recover from her surgeries. There has been little change in her condition and her neurological functions have remained the same; however, on this holy weekend, we are reminded of the divine acts that The Lord is capable of performing. Please continue to pray for her recovery and for strength for her family. We truly appreciate all of the love, support, generosity, and kindness that has been shared with our family during this difficult time.


We will continue to post updates when available. We continue to respectfully request that hospital visitors are limited to family and clergy.]

UPDATE   Friday, April 6, 2012 - 11:00 p.m.
She has a fever and high blood pressure tonight. Please pray that she starts to recover.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

FRIDAY, APRIL 6, 2012 10:26 PM, CDT

[Important Prayer Request


Kaytryn has a fever and her blood pressure is elevated. We ask you to please pray for God to lower her fever and pressure.


Kelly and Mark want everyone to know how appreciative and helpful all of your kind words and prayers have been. The outpouring of love and support that you all have shared for Kaytryn is giving them the strength to make it though this difficult time.]

UPDATE   Saturday, April 7, 2012 - 1:00 p.m.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012 12:04 PM, CDT

[Renewed Hope


Today's post comes to us directly from Kelly and Mark.


Praise be to our Father. This morning we prayed for hope in our despair. From the moment we walked into her room, we have been met with encouragement and hope. The doctors were terrific and encouraging today. They are being aggressive and honest. She is sitting up in a chair now. While we wait for change, the doctor reminded us that this is a long slow race and to be still and wait. Praise God today for hope. HE is alive. HE reigns forever. We love you all so dearly and can never say thank you enough for your prayers and support.


"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary."
Isaiah 40:28-31]

UPDATE   Saturday, April 7, 2012 - 6:00 p.m.
Kaytryn's fever and blood pressure went down. The reason for these two is because she caught pneumonia. They are treating her with antibiotics, but she is still not responsive.
Please keep this sweet girl in your prayers, as well as her family.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2012 5:44 PM, CDT

[We are very grateful for the response to our prayer request last night. Kaytryn's blood pressure and temperature normalized as of 3:00 a.m. this morning. We have been informed that the cause of the spike is pneumonia, which is common for patients in Kaytryn's situation. She is currently being treated with antibiotics. While Kaytryn has not yet been responsive, the hospital is aggressively working with her through physical and occupational therapy.


Kaytryn has yet to regain her consciousness; therefore, we continue to ask all to pray for God to restore Kaytryn's brain function.]

UPDATE   Monday, April 9, 2012 - 3:00 p.m.
It breaks my heart to write this. Kaytryn passed away yesterday. I was sitting in church yesterday morning and had the urge to check my phone. I saw where I had an email update from the Caring Bridge site. (I signed up for emails whenever there was a new journal entry posted on her condition.) Of course, I had to read it. So I read it and immediately my heart broke. I started bawling in the middle of church. I cried for the rest of service. I couldn't stop crying. The second I would be able to dry my eyes, the tears would start pouring again. I hate that Kaytryn was taken from us. It is so sad and tragic. I honestly thought she would pull through. Part of me just kept thinking that she has to make it. I wish I could have gotten to know her more. You never know when something tragic will happen.

I ask that you please pray for her family and friends. Kaytryn touched the lives of many. Please pray for her parents. I could not imagine losing a child. She may no longer be on this Earth with us, but she is in a better place and no longer hurting.

R.I.P. Kaytryn. You are dearly missed by many.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

SUNDAY, APRIL 8, 2012 10:26 AM, CDT

[With broken and heavy hearts, we want to inform our dear friends and family that, on this holy day, the Lord has chosen to bring Kaytryn home to paradise. Kaytryn is, and will always be, a blessing to our family, and we are thankful for the precious time God gave us with her. Thank you for the prayers and support you have given us through this difficult time. We ask that you continue to lift our family up in prayer, especially Mark and Kelly.


"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know." John 14: 1-4


"And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, "Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise."" Luke 23: 42-43


Definition of paradise from the Greek translation: Place of bliss and rest between death and resurrection.]

Memorials & Funeral Arrangements
Monday, April 9, 2012 - 11:16 p.m.
Tonight we had a memorial for Kaytryn here in Murray. There were many beautiful words said and tears shed. Paige's note to Kaytryn broke my heart. The loss of a life is so sad. I feel that God always has a plan and although we may not understand, there is a reason. As I have already probably said, it is important to cherish each moment you have in life. Tomorrow is not promised. Learn from every lesson in life that you are given. I continue to send my thoughts and prayers to Kaytryn's family and loved ones. I pray that each person has understanding. I will be attending the visitation in Louisville and/or possibly the funeral.

Please just continue to pray for the Parrish's family and friends.

Update from the Caring Bridge site:

MONDAY, APRIL 9, 2012 3:38 PM, CDT

Family & Friends,


Visitation for our sweet Kaytryn will be Wednesday: 2pm-5pm & 6pm-9pm at Northeast Christian Church on Brownsboro Road, Prospect, KY.


Funeral Service will be held Thursday at 11:00 am at Northeast Christian Church, with burial to follow in Louisville Memorial Gardens Cemetery.


In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy can be sent to the Kaytryn Dianna Parrish Memorial Fund - PO Box 402, Sellersburg, IN 47172.

Rest In Peace Kaytryn Dianna Parrish ♥

Death of a MSU Student

Yesterday was just another normal day... or so it started. I was running a little late for class because I wanted to fill out my March Madness Bracket before the games began. My first class begins at 9:30 a.m. So, I filled it out and started to head towards class. I caught up with my boyfriend and then he went to his class. My class was further across campus. I came upon the Fine Arts Building and the Library. Things seemed a little odd, but at the time I didn't think much of it. Police sirens started to go off... but only like the little beeping that basically means move out of the way. I started to cross the Quad, when I saw a police car coming down the sidewalk. I was really curious and began to wonder what was going on, but again, I was trying to get to class because I was running late. So I'm sitting in class and the professor was a tad late so I was on my phone. I then get a text from my boyfriend saying, "Somebody jumped out the window at fine arts. They are dead." I was in shock. It was very surreal. You see movies and sometimes hear of things, but this happened in my little town and at my college. Moments before I had just passed the location where the person was found dead. It is still very hard to believe, but it is a reality.

My thoughts were going crazy in class. It was very hard to concentrate. I had another class right after the one I was in. I called my mom and talked to her before class started. Once my 2nd class started, I had even more trouble paying attention. I was on my phone the entire time. I kept refreshing Facebook, waiting to see an article or who the person was. Finally, a name was released... Jacob Derting. I had no idea who the individual was, but I was very saddened. A life had been taken. Someone had lost a son, a brother, a friend. Classes were then canceled for the remainder of the day.

Yesterday was a very busy day for me. Emotions were very mixed. Murray State had won their first round in the tournament. Alpha Gam won sorority division and overall step show champions. So I was very happy, but at the same time, someone had died. So obviously I was saddened for the family and that someone was hurting so bad that they felt their only solution was death.

There is a reason I am writing this post.. I am a very hard-headed individual; however, I do feel that I am very open-minded. I really do try to understand and help others. I found myself talking to someone yesterday about suicide. Here is my general opinion and thoughts about it up to that conversation:

Suicide is a choice. An individual makes a decision to take their own life for whatever reason. Of course I feel sorry for the family and the individuals affected by the suicide. However, I would look down on the person or feel anger, in a sense, that someone would do something like that. I viewed suicide as a very selfish decision. I had no remorse for someone who could do such a thing.

Well, I spent most of last night reading all of the articles that were posted about the incident. I even read the forums online that I found where people were discussing it. It may seem really weird but I even found Jacob Derting on Facebook and looked at his page. Something in me just changed. I saw things in a new light. I guess I became more understanding. Here are my views now:

I still feel that an individual makes the decision to end their life. I still feel that it is a very selfish decision. In no way do I ever think it should be/is acceptable. I think people need to realize something. A person who commits suicide feels that death is their only option or it is the only thing that will take their pain away. Do you understand that statement? Don't just read it; understand it. Someone is hurting so bad that they would rather be dead. Once someone hits a state of depression so low, the way they see life becomes skewed. They lose the ability to take a step back and get a new perspective on the situation. They have lost all hope.

While reading the forums, a lot of people had the same views that I had previously had. They didn't feel sorry for the person and were very harsh. I think people need to start taking a step back. You never know what someone is going through, even people you know. We live in a society where people bash others and don't care how their actions affect the people around them. We see someone who is different from us, someone who looks weird, and the list can go on. People judge people every day. I am guilty as well.

Example: I saw someone just last night that looked weird. They had crazy hair, etc. From my perspective, they were a freak. When I caught myself saying that. I felt instant guilt. I have no right to judge someone. People have the right to be who they want to be. If they are not harming anyone else or themselves, then there is no reason why they shouldn't keep that right. So what if someone is different. You don't have to like everyone, but you should have respect. Don't make fun of people and don't make them feel weird and alone. Just be nice. It really is simple. 

Every individual is unique. Don't get me wrong, we don't live in a perfect society and there are some actual sickos out there in the world. I just think that people should stop being so quick to judge. You don't know what the person next to you or even what your best friend is going through. Watch your actions and words. Don't do things to hurt other people. Let those around you know that they are loved and be honest with them. If you are going through something, reach out for help. I promise you, there is someone that cares, there is someone that loves you. And don't you dare read this and say, "Oh well this doesn't apply to me" or "She doesn't know me, I really don't have anyone..." Because you are wrong. Don't feel alone. This can be a cruel world. One person can't take this world on by himself/herself. If you are reaching out and no one is listening, "scream louder." Make someone listen to you because you're important and your life matters.

I'll leave you guys with this... It went around Facebook a while back and I think it puts things into perspective. Your actions matter.
"The boy you punched in the hall today... committed suicide a few minutes ago.
That girl you called a slut in class today... she's a virgin.
The boy you called lame... he has to work every night to support his family.
That girl you pushed down the other day... she's already being abused at home.
That girl you called fat... she's starving herself.
The old man you made fun of because of the ugly scars... he fought for our country.
The boy you made fun of for crying... his mother is dying.
You think you know them. Guess what? You don't!
Take a stand against bullying."