By Lisa Marie Stahl
Just last weekend, we lost a beloved member of our colony. It was a hard blow to us all, especially to the immediate family.
Sams life was driving a truck and he died doing what he loved. But mysteriously and miraculously, his passenger survived the accident with only 37 stitches, a few cuts and bruises, but no broken bones.
That surviving passenger was my uncle, Philip. He says the experience of being pinned beneath the semi-truck for more than four hours is one hell remember forever. There wasnt an angel left in heaven, he says. Because God sent them all down to me.
The accident happened shortly after 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17. Our guys had been hauling hay for our colony from a colony in Canada for the past week. Sam was on his way home with a load, but he never made it.
The funeral was a sad one with the presence of about 400 people. Fifty of those were friends of Sams from town and many were the surrounding neighbors who had known Sam well.
Many of our neighbors came to help with funeral arrangements. While the women took charge of the food preparations, the men made arrangements for a grave to be dug, a coffin to be made, and our large shop cleaned and washed down. They then set up chairs and the accessories, because thats where the wake and funeral would be held.
I was touched by the generosity of all the colonies who came to help out. They all brought food to help feed the people. Several colonies baked large batches of buns and bread. Many brought large amounts of vegetables and fruit. Some donated meat and soups.
All the ladies volunteered their time to help with the food preparations. In each corner of our kitchen a different activity was in progress.
One group worked with the meat, another with the vegetables, another with the fruit. Still, another was busy washing dishes, and yet another group was occupied with arranging the dining room to fit in as many people as possible.
I cant express enough the kindness of all the people who were here. Their words alone were our comfort, but their actions were also our condolences.
And now as we pick up our lives and move on, its only the memories we have left of Sam. And those well treasure dearly.
