In Memoriam: Kelsey Smith

Richard l Zorek [c]2007 I heard the news over the weekend of an abuction of an 18 year old young lady who had just graduated from Shawnee Mission West a couple weeks ago. I saw repeatedly the video of her at the Target store in Overland Park and the abduction that was caught on tape. She was young, pretty, energetic, and out buying a gift for her boyfriend with the wrapping paper to boot. Over the next few days, I watched the media coverage showing the great interest in finding her from volunters in the community. From people who knew her to complete strangers. Having driven a school bus out of Shawnee Mission West as a sub driver a few times, I felt empathy and certainly prayed that they would find her alive. I mean, for what reason would God have to take someone like her so young? I went to the Target parking lot today where a command center had been set up and they were still wanting volunteers for an effort to find her. I got there, though, just as the news was breaking that a body had been found. I recognized some students from Shawnee Mission West High School, though not by name, but I especially noticed the comraderie and then the tears as the news started to spread. What a great testimony to prayer would it have been had she been found alive!!! But we won't know now. It may be one of the "why" questions I may have when I see God some day. But I can truly testify of the love there was for Kelsey. And I can truly testify that a whole city mourns today because of the efforts of many of them.