Trauma In Lehi

Vaughn posted this to his family blog. It describes my feeling too. I don't really know how to write about this. My family is pretty sad right now. I thought I should give you an update...Madison and her three friends have recently been befriended by a lady in our ward named Kristy. Kristy has two young boys, sings very well, and is quite outgoing with the girls. Madi and her three friends babysat for Kristy, which turned into some late night video sessions, hanging out and chatting, etc. Kristy was going through a divorce and it seemed to Erin and I that she needed some company to block the loneliness. Madi and her three friends became that evening company. Kristy became a close confidant and friend of Madi and her friends. They loved her very much.Yesterday started out as any other Sunday morning. We were having a good Sunday, actually made it to church on time, and sat down in our "normal" spot. As our church services began, a lady walked to the front of the chapel and waived for the bishop to come with her. I wasn't sure who the lady was, but Madison turned to Erin and said, "That's Kristy's mom". The bishop of our ward rushed out, and was gone for several minutes. When he came back, he waived for one of the counselors to come with him. They were both gone for several minutes together. In the meantime, one of Josh's good friends older sister came into the chapel sobbing. It was obvious that something was up. I thought a little kid must have been hit in the parking lot of our church. When our bishop came back into the chapel, he was with a police officer. He told us that there had been a horrible tragedy in our parking lot, that the meeting was going to be cancelled and that the cars in that side of the lot needed to stay where they were. He dismissed the meeting and walked away from the stand. A hush came over the congregation, while many people did not know what to do and several started whispering. It became obvious that rumors were going to spread like wildfire, so the bishop went back to the stand and said that he could tell that more needed to be said. He said that there had been a shooting in our parking lot and that Kristy had been shot (Madi's friend), and that she had since passed away. Madi fell to the floor in shock and sobbing uncontrollably. Her other friend that was also in the meeting also began to cry. The site was so sad as the girls did not know what to do and missed their friend horribly. The shooter drove off and did not stay at the scene. The police sealed off our neighborhood as they attempted to find Kristy's husband. The police found Kristy's husband and have arrested him. He shot her multiple times. There were witnesses walking into the building and people who saw Kristy on the ground (Josh's friends sister, One of Madi's friends, etc.) The experience was very frightening and there are many kids that are scared from our ward...Mitch included. Rather than going home, our family headed up to Erin's parents house where we holed up for the remainder of the day.I'll never forget how sad I was watching my daughter in so much pain. I'm so sorry Madi and I love you very much. Kristy was a special friend to you and she will be missed very much. My family is in shock. They do not know how to express themselves. Mitch was very scared yesterday. Madi and Erin cried on and off for most of the day. Andy and Josh and I didn't say much. The kids did not go to school today. Our neighborhood and ward is stunned. It's so easy to forget that things like this can happen anywhere. It really reminds you how important family, friends, and neighbors really are.
The story was all over the news last night, however if you're interested, it's located at: http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,695242028,00.html I just want to tell my family that I love them...and each of you. I hope you are all happy, healthy, and safe and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Vaughn

I have posted a link to a blog that a ward member set up for Kristy. I am waiting on some pictures that one of Madi's friends took of them with Kristy. I will post them when I get them. This is something you never think will happen to you and someone you know. Just people on the news at night. Please remember to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you, you never know whats around the corner. I love my family, I am so thankful to have you all in my life.

Love,
Erin