I’ve been following the story of Lydia Herrle since May 17th when she was hit by a truck as she stepped off her school bus, arriving at her home on Erb’s  Road, just west of Waterloo. In fact, many others have as well.

Soon after that day in May,  Joel Wittnebel, staff member of  the New Hamburg Independent, wrote, “Since then, community support has grown, particularly on the online social network Twitter, which has hundreds of messages from well wishers responding to calls for prayers under the hashtag #prayforlydia.” In it he quoted, JoAnne Soye, principal of the Baden Public School, “Everybody is concerned and sending their love and their prayers.”

Luisa D’Amato wrote in her column just this week, on Friday, September 28th, “Plenty of people know and care about the Herrle family, which owns a country market on that road.”

I’ve been to that market, just not this summer. I’ve been following the blog through twitter and send the occasional message to the family that I’m praying for them.
The Herrle family, recognizing community support, began writing a blog and posted to twitter. Comparing their situation to a significant marker in our family some years ago, I understand the  desire to keep people informed on how we, as parents, and the patient were doing, but without the energy most days to make it happen. Writing a blog makes sense, since their focus, besides their market business, is understandably on their daughter Lydia and their two sons at home.
Their blog is an effort to show their appreciation for public a nd community support and perhaps keep a record of days for themselves and Lydia. Only time will tell how far she comes.

I still see that happening four months later as Lydia begins to recall her life before the injuries. In  Luisa D’Amato’s  column (The Record) a few days ago and the ribbon campaign to show support. While I didn’t get a ribbon, I think of her  when I see other’s green ribbons displayed.
There’s still a long road to recovery, I understand. Many parents with children of their own can perhaps identify with the concern for the safety of their children as they go to school and play in their neighbourhood. It is sad that this ever  happened to Lydia, and yet, this public support and prayers encourage the Herrle family.

Linda Givetash of the Record, wrote on June 6th, that they are optimistic that “Lydia will come back.”  And indeed, four months later, she is making progress.

So, whether you have a ribbon or you don’t, keep Lydia and her family in your prayers.

Here’s a song for Lydia, as she recovers.

God, send an angel to watch over Lydia and her family.