When I think about happiness, I think that it’s something we create through our lives. That there is often going to be hardship in front of that happiness but it’s in the overcoming and the journey that we find it. I’ve been following the story of the Einwechter’s since the accident, I feel like they are a grand testament to not only overcoming but a powerful love. I think those are things that are required for happiness and while no one should have to overcome all that this family did, it has taught me personally so much.
Due to the nature of this tragedy, I did not contact the Einwechter’s about this post directly. I did not wish to disrespect their grief because it is still a fresh wound. The Einwechter’s made public the details of the tragedy their family suffered and how they have survived through the grief. As I have not contacted them personally, I will not be posting pictures of their family- however I will add a link to their public memorial page. Their page shares their story, their personal family photos, and their continued journey of grief, love, and family.
I have been incredibly touched by the Einwechter’s life. They have lived through my biggest fear I cannot even imagine the harrowing strength they’ve had through it all. I feel compelled to share their lives here because they are living the powerful path of love that has touched many, many lives. No person, no family, should be called to the task of having such a testimony. Yet this family has operated under such grace that I feel it is important others should hear their story.
From: Jonathan’s First Hand Account of the Accident:
It begins February 24th 2014. After having finished the last leg of their moving journey the Einwechter’s had had a busy day. They decided to take two vehicles back to where they were staying.
“We had only gotten halfway out of the long driveway when I noticed Monique’s headlights were no longer behind me. I started reversing down the lane while rolling down the window. As I did so I heard Monique blowing the horn constantly; and to my horror saw only one headlight sticking out of the small pond next to the driveway! I leaped out my vehicles window since I couldn’t find the latch in the dark, and went running toward our Expedition, which had flipped off the lane into the water with my precious family inside.”
The full details and account may be found at this link. Sadly, despite what Jonathan describes as the heroic efforts of everyone involved, Elise who was 3 years and 9 months old and her newborn brother Enoch did not survive the accident. They left behind their Mother, Father, and two brothers.
I don’t think there is a right way or a wrong to grieve and I think all the emotions, struggles, and wracking pain that comes with deep loss is acceptable. However anyone copes through their loss is okay because it’s their loss, I feel that the Einwechter’s have done something powerful. What I have seen from the Einwechter’s has inspired me personally, challenged me, and taught me. They have shown such vulnerability in this and have been the inspiration to so many. I can’t even imagine- to have such personal and horrible pain- become a light to so many.
They just celebrated little Elise’s Fourth Birthday and while she couldn’t be there physically, the celebration of this precious child was beautiful. While they are still grieving the loss of their children, they are living an extraordinary message of hope. This isn’t something they should have ever had to face, this is a message they should never have had to give, and these children should never have had to die. Yet when the worst nightmare happened, these parents, this family, they responded to the call of grace. That’s incredible.
For more on the Einwechter Family please see their memorial page.