For My Family

I'm choosing not to do a Friday Favorites post in respect for some sad news my family received today. It doesn't seem right to talk about material things and silly, happy bits when people I know are going through a lot of pain right now.

Some of you may remember Nick Wilcox, the man who went missing in Milwaukee on New Years Eve. Well, Nick was my step-dad's cousin. The Wilcoxs and the Mettilles have been friends for years so, both sides of my family were in grief when he went missing. My parents were regulars in the search parties and at the beginning of March we went to a fundraising event to raise money to keep the search going. It was such a surreal experience to see this family going through the unthinkable.

Last night Nick's body was found in the Milwaukee River.

There is something about the Wilcox family that radiates happiness, like they have a joy gene in their DNA or something. They are such happy, good people that it becomes infectious and every one around them falls under the spell of their boisterous laughter and quick smiles. From stories I hear of Nick, I can tell he was a Wilcox through and through. I am personally grateful to the Wilcox family because of my step-dad, Ronnie. He came to our family in a time when we really needed him and even though blood says he is not our real father, love says otherwise.The idea that this has happened to a family that has so much goodness to offer the world is just not fair. When I see how much hurt Ronnie and his family and friends are in my heart breaks. I just can't help but ask, "why?"

I pray that everyone that has been touched by this finds some solace to help them through and I also encourage everyone to give their loved ones a hug today in honor of Nick and his family and just because you can.