A Hole in My Heart

I am writing between the tears this morning about the passing of my dear friend David Coburn and two of his daughters Kaitlyn age 8 and Ellie age 4. They were killed in a freak accident leaving Taylor age 6 in the hospital in critical condition and Emily with her new baby Jaden.

I won't talk about the accident rather about the huge hole in my heart this family has left. Chuck and are among the many fortunate who call David & Emily Coburn friends. The have the ability to always brighten our lives when we had the opportunity to be around them. They have a beautiful family of four little girls who at first are shy until they get to know you.

Kaitlyn, (age 8) always the reserved one would smile at you with her eyes and let you know weather you were ok or not with her. As she grew up and we spent more time around them she got to be pretty ok with me, even voluntarily talking to me. Her daddy baptized her a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints just a few months ago. Kaitlyn wanted to be a rodeo queen and I'm sure she would have been the most beautiful queen ever, she has her mamas looks. She showed me her rodeo queen wave one time, it made me laugh. (Rodeo Queens have to wave while they are riding their horses pretty fast so the wave is tiny & fast and their smiles are a bit pasted on all while sitting tall atop a galloping horse.) Kaitlyn did a great imitation. She loved her family, friends & riding horses at which she was very good at.
Taylor, (age 6) is currently in the hospital. The doctors have her on a drug induced sleep as she is on a ventilator and will need to be on it for about two more days. sometimes the drugs wear off and she recognizes her mom, she wiggles her fingers and toes and last night she was fighting the nurses on a procedure. Taylor is the feisty one of the four.

I just saw Ellie (age 4) last Wednesday. Sweet adorable and huggy Ellie was at the nursery with her mom, grandma Linda and baby Jaden. I helped Ellie pull Jadens stroller out of the green house gravel, she was taking care of baby Jaden and her baby doll. Ellie knew me and trusted me, she knew me better than Kaitlyn or Taylor and knew I would always have a snack or treat for her. She was more free with her hugs than her older sisters. I recall when Emily was working on the opening of her store, Finders Keepers, I stopped in to find her working on the floor and the girls, patient but bored, playing and very tired in the back room. I went to McDonalds and bought them all dinner then Ellie came home with me where I bathed her and put her to bed until Emily could come. Ellie wore and old T-shirt for a a nightgown. Sweet, Sweet Ellie, I will miss her.

David was the best husband and father. He and I have had the opportunity to have many talks where I learned for his love of the Savior and His Gospel. He shared faith promoting stories with me along with his testimony several times. David was one of the most intelligent men I know he was also a very compassionate man who had the ability to make everyone feel like his very best friend. His motivation was his love of the Savior and his beautiful girls; Emily, Kaitlyn, Taylor, Ellie & Jaden. David has left a big hole in my heart. I will miss him & his two daughters.

I have set up a benefit fund for Emily. David had started a new job just two weeks ago so there isn't any insurance. Emily will have huge hospital bills to pay for and the funeral times three! Anyone can donate and please be as generous as you can. donate at any US Bank to the "Coburn Family Benefit Fund." or call me with any questions concerning a donation. 208-860-9951