Need help from the wonderful people of this forum

[MandaMom]

My DH and I received the worst news one day before we were to depart from sfo to Orlando. My Aunt called to tell me that my first cousins 4 year old was tragically killed in a senseless accident. My first cousin had twin boys and now there is only one. They were to celebrate their 5th birthday in July. Apparently a classmate whom they frequently schedule play dates with had his mother pick him up one afternoon, unfortunately she left her 3 1/2 year old in the car. She was not even in a carseat. My twin cousins and their playmate were playing on the lawn in the backyard. I am told that the '95 Suburban which had been left unattended with the toddler defied all logic to end up in the backyard. It hit my little cousin he flatlined before he had gotten to the hospital.

My DH and I tried to change our plans to fly into Georgia for the funeral and then out to Orlando but they wanted to charge us $1800.00 extra for doing so. We opted to try and drive there the only problem is since my DH and I were scheduled to join his sister and her two boys 3 days after our arrival, in Orlando, the only time we could do the 8 and a half hour drive is right when we deboarded the plane.

My DH and I were traveling with our 20 month old. She did not sleep the entire way over. We left San Francisco at 9 pm and arrived in Orlando at 7:30 am or 4:30 am our time. We had breakfast at WL and checked into our timeshare at 2pm. Our daughter took a short nap and then woke up and still did not want to go to bed at 12midnight. We decided to try to drive to Georgia that evening, it is the worse decision we have ever made. My DH was delirious after 2 and half hours. We were on I-75 when we turned around, we got back to the timeshare at about 6am. I felt so guilty we couldn't make it up but my DH and I were so tired and we did not want to risk our lives or the life of our 20 month old.

I still feel awful we couldn't make it up to visit my question is what can I do or send as a memorial for my little cousin, that will make up for my abscence??? Please help I know there are wonderful creative people with big hearts here on the DIS please bump this up!!! Any feedback would be helpful.

Thanks

 

[Kermit]

Oh my goodness. That is horrible.

Yes, I would send something, but don't try to give an excuse right now. They have too much on their mind. Give them a call, and send a card and maybe flowers or a donation or something. I would probably also call another family member that isn't too close to them or too distraught and explain what happened.

In a few months, if you ever get the feeling that anyone is upset that you weren't there, you can explain what happened. I'm sure everyone will understand.

I am praying for your whole family. I can't even think about how bad you must all feel.

 

[luvmy2sams]

<font face="Comic Sans MS">How senseless! My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

I agree with Kermit whole heartedly. Send something so they'll know you're thinking of them, but now is not the time for long explanations. When some time has passed, it may be appropriate to fully explain your absence to your cousin. Family will understand the circumstances.</font>

 

[robinb]

I don't see why you can't explain to them why you were not there. Call and let them know that you attempted to drive to GA to be there but had to turn back. They will be understanding.