Goodbye

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Family says goodbye . . . children and staff express their grief . . . when three of us died
from the June 2002 Newsletter	Read other Newsletter articles
Editor's note: On a tragic day in May of 2002, three precious children living at Hill Country Youth Ranch were killed in an automobile accident during a lunch break at Ingram High School. Our staff and children responded in many ways, with prayers, poems and paintings. We sought answers. All were doing well and headed for the end of a successful school year. In brokenness, the skies, and our hearts, seemed to open, and we felt both immeasurable loss and a new closeness to the spiritual bond between us as family. Below we share a few of the writings, art work and thoughts that were created during that time.
When we step back and listen again to the weeping, Softly, in the background, we hear something else, too . . . Maybe the songs of angels, for now there are three more. Angela Moreno-Tijerina ’87, Alumna and Development Director
To Those I Left Behind (from June, Carissa and Jeff, to the staff and children of HCYR) I watched the sunset with Jesus tonight. We talked for hours. I told Him how much you had done for me and how much I loved you. He just nodded and said, “I Know.” I could see sadness in His eyes and I knew He was thinking about you and the pain you’re going through right now. He really wishes that you could understand, and He knows you will someday. But when you’re sad and thinking about me, try to remember: I finally know what it feels like to be wrapped in the arms of a loving Father; You can’t imagine the joy I felt when He opened His arms and said, “Welcome Home, my child!” I have actually felt His tears on my face. If I could talk to you, I would tell what Jesus’ smile really looks like; I would tell you how impossible it is to not get lost in His eyes. And you know what else? I will never again know what it feels like to cry. I will never again feel grief, loneliness or shame. Now, when you speak of sorrow, I can no longer relate. Most of all, I will not ever have to feel lost or confused again. NEVER! No, I know that you miss me, but if you can, please watch the sunset tonight and know that I am finally HOME. And someday, when your sun has set, I will get to be the one that welcomes you with open arms, the way that you once did for me. Lora S. Webb, Hill Country Youth Ranch Staff	I Keep Looking for That Smile I keep looking for that smile; The one she smiled with every cell in her body . . . The smile that could soften my heart Even on the days when the alarm didn’t go off, Dinner burned, and I couldn’t find my car keys. I keep looking. I keep looking down the road And expecting to see her walking in my direction . . . Wanting to show me something With that smile that always made me feel As if my presence really mattered In this sometimes too cold and too crazy world. I keep looking in shadows, Behind trees, in empty rooms, In the darkness, in the sunshine, In my office, outside my door . . . In the places where she loved to go. I keep looking for that smile. I keep looking and looking and looking And today I asked God to please Just take my chin in His great big loving hand And show me how To look up . . . Then I think I can see that smile. Carol Priour, HCYR Fine Arts Director
Three Angels Three new angels went to heaven on May 15, 2002. They were June, Carissa, and Jeff, our friends. When we heard what had happened to these wonderful people, it broke our hearts. We are all wondering why. Why would our dear Lord Jesus take them from us? We said maybe there were other people somewhere who needed a helping hand from these three angels . . . like they helped us. If we could, we would love to rewind time and change what we could, but in our hearts we know that June, Carissa, and Jeff are in the hands of the Lord, and they are now in peace. Denise Reyna, age 15 (Denise lived in the same cabin as June and Carissa)	Thank You To June and Carissa, Of my flesh, you were not born, but to my soul you have been knit. God brought you into my life for a brief yet eternal moment and I am forever changed. There is a certain fullness to my being and to my life because of you. You gave so much-I wonder if I was able to give and to teach even half as much as you gave and taught me. You shone so bright in spirit, bringing light and joy to all who knew you from clerks at Wal-Mart to your family here at the Ranch. To you, Jeff, to my girls — the remarkable women you are, and to all my children at the Ranch, I love you and you are forever in my heart. From Jen Alumbaugh, (houseparent in the home where June and Carissa lived)