I’d like to share this letter from Kristen Appleby Bryant, sister of Michael Appleby. Michael lost his life in a car accident fifteen years ago this week.
Parents of the Woodmore Elementary Bus Crash Victims,
I write this with tears streaming down my cheeks. I have no words to take away your great pain. I have no words to bring back your precious babies. I write this to offer you a glimpse of hope. On November 20, 2001, my brother, Michael Appleby, was killed in a car crash just ten days after his 16th birthday. It was two days before Thanksgiving, and I’ll never forget that cold night. I remember arriving at the scene to a sea of emergency vehicles’ lights. I remember hearing the Life Force helicopter arrive and believing that they could and would put my brother back together, but the helicopter never landed. When I heard it fly away, my heart stopped and that’s when I knew the worst had happened.
Michael Appleby
When I woke up the next morning and realized it wasn’t a dream, the tears would not stop and my heart felt like it no longer wanted to beat. It all became real, yet so unreal. How could it have happened? Why would a 16 year old die? Why did it have to be my brother? How could we celebrate anything without Michael? I don’t even remember that Thanksgiving, to be honest. My world stopped on November 20th, and I wasn’t sure it would ever start again.
I share all this with the promise that there is hope. The most amazing people, well, I call them “angels,” will appear in your lives. They will carry you. God sent them to carry you because there is no way to survive such loss without them lifting you and helping you put one foot in front of the other. You won’t want to get out of bed, but they will be there to lift you. You’ll no longer find joy in the things that gave you joy, but they will bring you new joy. You won’t want to celebrate holidays, but they will be there to hold your hand and offer a shoulder to cry on. They will become some of the most important people in your lives because they were there during your darkest hour. I promise that God will send them, so just watch.
There are thousands of “angels” from around the world praying for you right now. They are waiting for an opportunity to help you heal in some way. I wish I could take away the pain you feel right now because nothing can prepare you for it and no one deserves it, but I promise to faithfully keep you in my prayers, and I’ll be here if you need me.
With deepest sympathy,
Kristen Appleby Bryant
I wish I were artistic. I’d make copies of this letter and maybe paint each child’s name on it or put their picture alongside the young woman’s brother and take them to the families who lost loved ones in the bus incident. The words in the letter are powerful and they come from someone who has been where they are now. I took copies of a song from the Civil War movie “Ashokan Farewell” to the family members of the soldiers who were killed here. It’s not much but you never know how much those gestures mean just like David Carroll’s gesture in publishing this letter-good job!
What a precious letter. The loved ones needed to hear it. There will be angels.
Kristen, what an amazing letter and such true words. You made me cry. You are so strong and I know and pray these families can be strong like you. Thinking of Michael today and the children gone too soon. -Angela
Such heartfelt words from another who has been in pain. Kristen – you may not realize that *you* are one of the angels in their paths. Sending love to all.
Everything she says is correct, every sing words. I know. I lost my son of 19 years of age, right after Thanksgiving, we were in the hospital praying with all we had for God to touch my son and heal him. But it was not in God’s plan, and we have accepted that today, with respect and Love for our Lord. But I just could not celebrate Christmas without him. I had already bought all of his Christmas gifts. I had a younger daughter, and just could not make myself prepare a happy Christmas for her. That is where those wonderful people came in, they were there for me… they took over, made sure she had a very happy Christmas even with the sadness and loss of her brother. It happens just like she says, God will send you those wonderful people. and if you need someone to talk to or to just sit with you, you contact me…. My name is Tutti Harris. I will be there. My prayers with all of these families.
Such touching words Kristen. I can’t imagine losing a child. My heart breaks even trying to imagine that. Your strength and words of hope wil mean everything to the poor families. Prayers to them for their unimaginable loss and for you and your sweet family as well. Even 15 years later, I know Michaels memory is always with you and he serves as one your angels. Take care friend. Nancy
I remember that night, Michael was a classmate of my daughter’s, the love that surrounded that family and the Norte Dame community was beautiful. Here Chattanooga is again with beautiful children lost and our community has poured love and kindnesses to the Woodmore families. May God bless them all.
Such a powerful message for the families of Woodmore. Seven years ago Kiel, our son went into the hospital four days before Thanksgiving unbeknown to us that he would pass away 21 days later. You think you have been torn apart, your life as you know it vanished. But with time it gets easier, never the same as it was but easier. One day you will think of your child (and you will every second of everyday) but you will have a smile and it will be from a beautiful memory of your child.
I pray for peace for all these families effected by this tragedy. I pray for healing for the kids and parents alike.
I am here for you all. Tammy Sullivan
Kristin is so right. I lost my son 2 years ago November 20. Holidays will never be the same for me. I miss my son everyday. I see things, go places that remind me of him. They are angels on earth that will help you get through. I wish I could say it gets better. 2 years still not better for me. I keep praying for strength and my angels on earth I know are praying too. Bless these families❤️?
This was so well written, expressed, and intended. You are so right. Many angels come…thank you for this reminder. <3 Prayers to you, too!
I remember the campaign Michael Appleby Keeping Us Safe to encourage the use of seat belts. Michael’s death was used to help a lot of people. We will not forget these precious children of Bus 366.
I pray for these families. I have never lost a child but I work in the school system I have become attached to so many children in my 13years. It’s breaks my heart to hear and see such a tragedy. I lived in Tennga when the bus crash happened there I had to eventually move. But like Kristen says with prays and Gods help it will get better. I am praying for all of the families