It has been six months since my life was forever changed. On May 26, Tim Bailey – the man I had loved since I was 18 years old and my best friend – was gone. My whole world changed in an instant. My life is now divided into the “before” and “after” of that tragic day.
I do not understand why God allowed Tim to be taken from us. It is a question I ask every day. I do know that God provides for his children, and I have seen that through your generosity. I appreciate all of you who have given to us. It has helped me provide for the children’s needs now and for the future.
My spirits have also been lifted by the many cards, phone calls and visits. I also know we have been in your prayers.
The children miss their daddy so very much. I tell them not to blame God for this, but to see how they can use it to help others. My daughter Caitlyn made me especially proud when she entered the Lions Bowl Queen contest. This contest is a fund raiser for the town of Ware Shoals. The girl who raises the most money gets crowned queen. Caitlyn thought that the money she raised would help “fix” the Saluda river. She said she wanted to do this so no one else would lose their daddy. It brought tears to my eyes. She raised $643.
My oldest son Dylan said that his daddy is his hero and he wants to be just like him. I am so glad that God allowed Tim to have an influence over these children for the past five years. I believe it will be a lasting influence. I see a part of him in each of them: Dylan’s desire to know God’s word; Christopher’s love of fixing up his toy cars and planting the garden; Caitlyn’s sweet spirit and love for people; William’s outgoing nature and love of a crowd.
I do not know what the future holds. I could never have predicted that I would be 34 years old and raising my family alone. We continue to seek God’s guidance and have great hopes for our future.
Editor’s note: Tim Bailey, who was pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, near Ware Shoals, died May 26 while saving two of his children from drowning in the Saluda River.
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