Dear Editor,

My personal catch phrase has always been “Faith, Family and Friends with these I am truly blessed”. Now more than ever I hold fast to this. Through this turbulent storm raging in my life I can still embrace my blessings.

Friday Sept 5th our son Braden was care flighted from his Varsity football game in Mason to University Trauma Center in San Antonio. After collapsing on impact from a tackle he fell unconscious and serious injuries were feared. After 4 long days and lots of tests we were blessed to walk out of the hospital with only a severe head concussion, and nerve damage to his left shoulder that would heal with time and rehabilitation. How grateful we felt.

On Wednesday October 15 we tragically lost the most treasured relationship in our lives- our friend, my husband, my children’s father and our provider. Our lives will never be the same. Rick’s smile, laughter and love will forever be etched in our hearts and we will forever embrace the beautiful memories we created with him. We love him and miss him daily.

Within one month of Rick’s loss our son Jordan was critically shot. Jordan was care flighted to Brackenridge trauma Center in Austin where his life was in grave danger. The bullet severed his femoral artery, shredded a main vein up into his abdomen, ripped through his small intestines and bladder. After hours of surgery by a team of trauma surgeons the response I got was a bleak “we are doing all we can”. Trying to sustain his fragile life he has received in excess of 34 units of blood products, gone through 5 surgeries, 105 staples and 16 days in the hospital with a long road of uncertainties for his recovery ahead of us. But what I can tell you is anyone who was front and center to this horrific event will tell you that W. Jordan McBee is a True Miracle of God! There is absolutely no doubt that God had his hands on him and the prayers we laid on Jordan during those critical hours, and all that have been sent up since for him were answered. People wonder how I am doing? I am doing only by the Grace of God and the strength given to me by prayers.

I can’t even begin to fully express my heartfelt Thank You. Thank you to EACH of my friends who have been my constant strength, courage, love and support to help me and my children find comfort from this raging storm. I love you so very much. You are a beautiful blessing in my life and in my children’s. Rick would be so proud.

Thank you to my church family and this entire community that has surrounded us with prayer, compassion, generosity and support. To know I’ve not walked this alone is more than I can say Thank you for.

So I hope each of you know now that miracles are witnessed and that it is true with “Faith, Family and Friends” I AM TRULY BLESSED. I hope everyone reading this takes a moment to recognize that even in the worst of storms everyone has blessings to embrace. Please continue to carry my family in your prayers; we need the strength.

With sincere gratitude,

V. Rene’ McBee

Jordan, Braden and McKenzie