...

Today was a good day.  I started off with some much needed sleep, and after sending the kids off to school I played catch-up on a year's worth of sleep.  The phone rang several times.   I vaguely remember a couple of calls.  I think one was Steve.  Or maybe 2 were.  I hung up on a foreign exchange student and the consumer survey guy.  Nothing bothered me today.  Gabe would be safe in the states soon.

After dropping Zack off at work, Rocky and I planned on doing a little belated back-to-school shopping.  When I walk into the store, which has pretty much been my home away from home for the past 7 years, its like walking into Cheers ... where every body knows your name....  Dozens of people greeted me, but nobody said anything until I passed the fitting room and my friend there called me over.

Did you hear?  she whispered.  Did you hear about the murder suicide?

Well, yes, Rocky and I heard it on the radio on our way down.  It was sad, the young mother of two was shot by her estranged husband, who then turned the gun on himself.  With her being only 20 years old, her children couldn't be very old.  Very very sad.

We're not supposed to talk about it, but it was Rachelle, my friend whispered.

Rachelle.... MY Rachelle?  I had helped to hire her.  I trained her.  I was her supervisor until I quit last spring, and then we were just co-workers when I returned.  We were friends.

Were.....

I hurt.  Today was supposed to be the happiest day in a long time until tomorrow, which was to be even happier as Gabe got closer and closer to home.  But my heart is aching so bad at the tragedy of it all.

Sweet Rachelle, rest in peace.  I am so sorry you will miss the magic of watching your children growing up.  I am sorry they will miss your loving and comforting arms.  But they are in good hands, and I know you will always be there to watch over them.  Fly my Angel and do not fret.  Your little ones are safe.

I can handle war, sort of.  I can handle illness and old age.  I can even accept accidents.  But cold blooded murder, no. 

And now I hear that Gabe's departure may be delayed by a couple of days.

Excuse me while I find a nice quiet place to cry.