On the night of December 26th, 2010, we lost one of our closest friends on a lonely stretch of highway in north Texas. Brie Gomez was someone that shunned being the center of attention, but in death has become widely known for her tragic fate. She often told her husband Eric that she wasn’t sure why she maintained a blog when almost no one read it. Her words have now been read by thousands. While many are focusing on the legal and political ramifications for CO State Senator Williams and the cruel irony exposed by unbuckled passengers in her vehicle, I prefer to talk about Brie and the faith that is the core of her being.
Brie was my wife’s closest friend and Brie’s 6-year old daughter is a best friend to my 6-year old twins. We last saw Brie just three weeks ago when she and her girls made the two hour drive to Lubbock to attend my kid’s birthday party. Later in the day, we shared a ride on the Polar Express Train. When we hugged her good bye, we had no idea that it would be the last time we saw her alive on this earth. We will always cherish the great memories of that day.
Brie has a deep and profound relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her family and friends have no doubt that she is safe in Heaven, welcomed by the words of Matthew 25, “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your lord.” Her memorial service, attended by over 1000 people, was an excellent tribute to a woman who had dedicated life to honoring Jesus in everything she did. If anyone could provide personal forgiveness for such a terrible transgression, it would be Brie.
We have been honored to spend the last few days with Brie’s immediate family and other close friends. We have witnessed the profound sadness coupled with the vivid hope that we will see Brie again. We know that Brie’s ultimate desire was to meet Jesus face to face, which has happened. While we will struggle for a long time with losing her and know that the road ahead for her family will be treacherous, she is now experiencing unbridled joy and peace in the presence of our Lord. Family and friends have prayed for the recovery of the Williams family and are thankful that their kids were not seriously injured or killed.
In the midst of the shock and grief after the accident, Eric and the family made the courageous decision to donate Brie’s organs. As far as we know, at least six organs/tissues were successfully implanted in recipients, providing life-preserving miracles to them and their families. I hope they someday learn of the woman who has given them a piece of her life.
I was privileged to see Brie’s son Curran in NICU. Knowing the severity of the crash, the violence of the impact to his mother, the time it took medical responders to reach the remote location, and the fact that he is only 3lbs and 10 weeks premature, I stood in awe of the miracle before me. It is incredible to me and many others that Brie could sustain a mortal wound, but continue to keep her baby alive until he was delivered many hours after the accident. Please continue to pray for the little guy as he struggles to survive. Sister Eleri suffered a broken leg and Mali has multiple bruises and abrasions. Both are expected to quickly recover physically, but face life without their devoted mom. Their dad Eric sustained injuries as well, and all are deserving of our prayers.
As we returned to Amarillo, after the burial in Dalhart, it only took a moment to drive past the patch of road where two vehicles collided and the paths of two families were dramatically changed. Small pieces of broken glass twinkled in the morning sunlight, a subtle memorial to a woman who wanted to reflect the love of Jesus Christ to all.
Tim Dallas, PhD
Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX
Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in this letter only reflect the views and observations of the author. I do not represent the Gomez/White family in any official or unofficial way.
