10:41 In The Blink Of An Eye - LIFE CHANGED FOREVER

Rickey Stokes

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Posted by: RStokes
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Date: Jun 14 2024 10:43 AM

DOTHAN:    10:16 AM    In the blink of an eye lives changed FOREVER!

On Thursday about 11:45 I was in the Houston County Courthouse. Houston County District Court Judge Benjamin Lewis had finished his court docket and was still sitting on the bench and his Judicial Assistant, Sharon, was sitting at the computer in the courtroom. I was standing there chatting with both Judge Lewis and Sharon just talking about "things" and laughing. Then left.

Went to Blue Plate for lunch and then had to go to Clay County Sheriff Department in Ft. Gaines Georgia. Knew the call was dispatched of a 20 year old, tractor overturned, not breathing.

It is not unusual for me to tell someone if something happens around them. Knowing about where Judge Lewis farm is located I have called him several times about cows out seeing if his cows and something happening. I attempted to call him and no answer. I then called Sharon because I knew that was close to his farm area but no idea who the 20 year old was or that it was on his farm to see if the Judge was still in the courthouse. And I told Sharon of the call.

I then made a phone call to see what was happening and found out it was Judge Lewis 20 year son. When I called Sharon back she had just found out.

In less then 3 hours from small talk and laughing, Judge Benjamin Lewis and his wife, a school teacher in Ashford, their entire life changed, FOREVER.

The Judge found his son. He attempted CPR. Words are inadequate to describe Judge Lewis because when I returned to Dothan went by to see him. Broken and devestated.

A 20 year old, your son, is not suppose to die, suddenly. That is just not suppose to happen. But this reminds me how uncertian life is and how quick, in the blink of an eye, your entire world can change.

THANKFULLY and HOPEFULLY I will never experience to the loss of a child or grandchild. As Coroner and Deputy Coroner I have walked with many families who have. It is something you will never ever get over. You learn to live with it, but you never overcome it.

When you talk with your family, parents - spouse - children, tell them you love them. Life is to short to be at odds with them. Never hang up with them or leave them that you don't tell them, I Love You. Because as in the loss of Weston Lewis, this was not a planned event.

Judge and Mrs. Lewis loves their family. They were all a daily part of each other's life. They have all enjoyed life together and are a respected family that are involved with each other. And their entire families life has now changed, forever. 

So love your family. Love your friends. Let them know you love them. Let them know they are loved and appreciated. Because life is short and in the blink of an eye, life can change without notice.

And this is heavy on my heart because I know the love the Lewis family has for each other, how hard they work, and was just chatting with the Judge less than 3 hours before his families life changed, forever.

Please remember the Lewis family in your prayers as they walk through each and every day. This is the time you experience FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND. You only see one set of footprints because our loving GOD is now carrying us instead of walking beside us.

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