The teen that was killed in a car accident over the weekend was my nephew CJ, Carl Ray James Crichfield. When the death of the Northview girl last month hit the news, my heart immediately ached for that family and their world around them and their sufferings. Time and time again the Wabash Valley has heard the news, but do any of us really grasp the depth of their sufferings? Well, I now can say, I really do and wish to share this rare view.
Most average families live paycheck to paycheck, with and without insurance of any kind. With the sudden death of CJ, my sister was that average family, luckily with essential insurance, with an extra burden of money needed and not coming in. This new burden can also be new debt in the coverage of funeral and headstone expenses. Funeral expenses have been $8,000, with a discount. This expense does not cover a headstone, which a nice standard one is about $1,800 and with the saving grace of God, my sister, through her teaching job, had on accident one rider on her health insurance that was offered a few years ago. It covers anyone hurt or killed in an accident to receive the benefit. Hers was $10,000 for CJ’s death. They really did not need the burden of that cost in their budget.
There is also the small burden of extra cost for the little things. So the need arises to shine on this burden and on Monday, Nov. 9, 2009, the Carl Ray James (CJ) Memorial Fund was established for some relief from this burden. With CJ’s funeral costs paid for and the charitable actions of their family, their friends, their co-workers, their school and their community, their burden is relieved.
A few years ago a young girl died suddenly that lived in her community. Her mother spoke to my sister immediately about such a loss and her wishes to have started a memorial fund for relief from the burden of sudden death. This family had insurance that relieved their burden, but realized that most don’t.
We, the people of the Wabash Valley are an even bigger community than that little town of Hymera, but we too can show support to those who we don’t know but have the ability to love. Above all things, love thy neighbor …
I encourage the Wabash Valley to contribute any amount of help to the CJ Memorial Fund for the next family that has to endure the pain, suffering and burden of the death of a child. If we all have true compassion and contribute to this necessary cause we have comforted the unknown need of others. We can also see daily our need for charitable actions with food, clothing, shelter to the homeless, etc.
Thank you Wabash Valley for your actions of charity. Thank you family, friends, co-workers, students and the community of Hymera for all your actions of charity.
I am a Christian and have a basic belief backed up by Scriptures. This belief is based on John 4:24: “God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship him in Spirit and in Truth.” My belief is that God is good making his Spirit good. If we live with morals and a compassionate, charitable spirit, we are walking in the Spirit of Truth. Jesus is our example and I thank God for the Spirit of Truth in Wabash Valley.
— Loretta Doris Lorenzo
Jasonville
Raw Video: Kim Jong Il Statue Unveiled
Authorities: Houston Found Underwater in Tub
Raw Video: Hearse Arrives at N.J. Funeral Home
Arm Wrestler Not Guilty Plea in Wife's Death
Trial Opens for Ala. Man in Bride's Diving Death
Baltimore's 'Crime Stopper' Is a Basketball Star
Raw Video: Houston Body Flown From L.A. to N.J.
First Person: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Bacteria Keep Swimmers Off Some Fla. Beaches
Raw Video: Whitney Houston's Last Performance
Obama's New Budget: The Winners and Losers
Police: Houston Found Under Water, Unconscious
Reaction to Houston's Death at Clive Davis Party
Gregoire: Marriage Equality Is Right for Wash.
Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked
Israeli Diplomats Targeted in India, Georgia
Coroner: Don't Know Houston's Cause of Death Yet
ShowBiz Minute: Houston, Grammys, BAFTAs
Sandusky Can See Grandkids, Have Local Jury
Attempted Bomb Attack Stopped in Georgia
Watch: Whitney Houston's Golden Hearse
Kate Upton MLB 2K12 Commercial
Olympic Swimmer Proposes on Podium After Big Win
Scarlett Johansson's Bikini P-D-A
Man Allegedly Drowns Wife While Scuba Diving
Sports Illustrated Cover Leaked
Wash. becomes 7th state to okay same-sex marriage
Romijn's 60 Pound Weight Loss
The 'Celebrity Apprentice' Cast Meets Donald Trump
Kissing contest heats up
Hugh Hefner's Son Arrested
Jacqueline Kennedy's personal papers released
Did Tyler Perry Have a Secret Wedding?
Iran denies Israeli embassy bombings
'Bachelor' Free Falls into the Ocean
Facebook Parenting: Father Posts Video Responding to Daughter's Post
Bobby Brown on Houston's Death
