Kait

Anyone who knows me would be a little surprised to hear me ask for prayers for anyone. I tend to trust more in medical personnel than the power of prayer or channeling energy or whatever mystical, take-it-on-faith kind of fix.

And I’m not asking now. Unless it's something you do and especially if you have a good connection. However, it seems my entire home town is praying that my niece Kaitlin Jones survives the car crash that happened in the early morning last Tuesday. She’s 19.

Whenever I think of Kait, I think first of a black and white photo that I cannot find for all that’s holy. She’s probably 5 or 6, sitting in the back of a pickup truck with one elbow propped up on a knee, her chin cupped in her hand. She’s looking straight into the camera. Her blond hair is cut in a short bob, bangs brushing her eyes.

To me, that’s Kait. Confident. Straight on. Queen of whatever castle she wants to claim.

There’s lots more, of course. She’s 19. A grown-up in the eyes of the law.  If you’re friends with anyone on Facebook who knows her, you’ve learned a lot about how much positive energy she’s brought to those around her.

My Facebook feed alone would explain why those who feel connected to a higher power are asking for your prayers. They’re convinced it’s what’s allowed her to survive so far the injuries that include brain trauma and fractures to her face, her back, her ribs, an arm, a leg, an ankle.

I’m more inclined to credit the trauma unit and ICU staff at Methodist Hospital. Sinner that I am, I can’t get past the idea that if God would take the time to keep her alive, he might have spent his time better by keeping her from the crash in the first place. 

But I’m not questioning their faith or even discounting it. Whatever brings her back to us whole and healthy and still possessing the spirit in that photo I can’t find is alright in my book. So if you’re one of the faithful, please add her to your list.

If you’re not, just think a good thought or two if you have a moment. If you know anyone in health care or emergency response, please tell them how grateful we all are for their help.

And speaking of those who help: it’s been a while since I attended Shakamak schools. In my small town, you go to school with the same kids K-12 and many of the teachers there did the same thing or taught your sister. In Kait’s case, all her aunts and uncles on both sides, too.  Kait’s mom, my sister Nancy, teaches 6^th grade there.

The teachers there are lining up to grade the papers of Nancy’s kids now being schooled by subs. Folks at Nancy's church -- heck maybe every church is town, are talking about how else they can help, sending food and money and love. 

This is the good part of being from a small town. I’m grateful to all of the folks who are doing what they can for Nancy and Dennis. Keep it up, please.