Tuesday, July 14, 2009, Nashville, TN., 6:00 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

Louie here.  I am still in a state of shock and disbelief over the news that Kendra (Kent) has shared with me.

Over the weekend, in Beulah, Florida (near Pensacola), a couple was murdered, a couple who only wanted to make the world a much better place for hurting children in need of love, security, and a home.  The community in which they lived is in a state of disarray and grief.

The family in question is (was) the Billings family.  The couple, Byrd, 68, and Melanie, 43, had four children of their own; however, they felt compelled to adopt sixteen more, many with special needs (mental/physical disabilities, delays).  It is believed that up to three of the children saw what happened.

Three people were arrested; it is believed that up to eight total were involved in the suspected robbery/break in.  Video cameras at the home possibly captured the suspects in action; police are using this evidence to answer as-to-yet unsolved questions.

Byrd and Melanie were both well-to-do; however, they were very well respected (and loved) by their community.  They would do anything to help others, particularly those who were in most need.

I don't know what is going to happen to the children:  more than likely, they'll be put into foster care (again) or adopted out into other families.  I feel horrible for them; they've already been throuh so much before the Billings took them in; now they are going to have to face this all over again.  My heart breaks as I think about this.  I can't imagine something so tragic!

What makes this situation even more disturbing is the fact that the home had security cameras in every room, so that the couple could ensure the family's safety.  

This is why I worry so much about my own family.  I don't even want to think about something like this striking us; however, it could happen, and this is why I fear for their (our) safety.  This is one reason why we have several dogs, including a Great Dane, who alert us if trouble is afoot, and we also have security cameras/alarms firmly in place.  This is why we have adults in the home who can watch over the younger/more disabled members of the family while Bill or I are at work/the store/doing errands.

I don't know what Bill or I would do if we were to come home and find members of our family murdered.  It would be the worst thing we could ever face as parents (and, believe me, we have faced more than enough trials in our lives!).  This is something I must think about as I reflect on the Billings family and what is going to become of those precious, dear children, as they will now have to face life without their mommy and daddy.

Well, I have to run; have to work.  I will write in here again; I just wanted to put in my two cents' worth regarding what has happened in Florida.  All I can say is this:  may God be with the Billings children as they come to grips over what has happened to their parents, and their friends; may God give them the strength, courage, and peace that passes all understanding as they face the long, difficult, dark days ahead!

God bless you and thank you for listening to me.

~As always, your friend in Tennessee, Louie May.  :(  >tears!<