Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to Steven Curtis Chapman and his Family
Steven Curtis Chapman's youngest daughter, 5-year-old Maria, (family photo) died at Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville after being accidently hit by a SUV in the driveway of the family's home. Adding to the tragedy is the fact that the SUV driven by her teenage brother. Apparently Maria was playing in the driveway and her brother didn't see her. "It appears to be a terrible accident,'' Laura McPherson, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol, said.
No charges are expected to be filed. The accident was witnessed by two other children and the entire Chapman family was home at the time, according to reports.
What do you say at a time like this? "I'm so very sorry" doesn't seem to be quite enough. Steven isn't just well known as a Christian musician; he's also very well known as a loving father. When I spoke to him on the phone just a couple of weeks ago about being a dad for an upcoming Father's Day feature, Stevey Joy and Maria Sue were there in the background, wanting to know who daddy was talking to. When he told them that he was talking about being a daddy, I could hear them, plain as day, cheering their daddy on. They left the room to go celebrate their dad.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Steven, Mary Beth and the rest of the Chapman family. If you would like to leave comments for the Chapman family, In Memory of Maria, a special blog, has been set up for that purpose. In lieu of flowers, the Chapmans request any gifts be directed to Shaohannah’s Hope.
Funeral Arrangements have been announced for Maria Sue Chapman. These times are open to the public if anyone would like to be a part of celebrating the life of Maria.
FRI May 23rd Visitation 5-8pm
SAT May 24th Memorial service 11am
At Christ Presbyterian Church
2323 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN
(615) 373-2311
Image courtesy of Sparrow Records. © 2007 Tucker Photography. Used by permission.
Comments
God’s ways are not our ways, His time is not our time and contrary to popular belief He Is In Control. Prayers go out the Chapman family and comforting and prayers for self-forgiveness to the brother who was driving.
We can all learn from it. You may wish to read my new essay on the Steven Curtis Chapman tragedy, ‘From Grief to Grace’ – http://frankahilario.blogspot.com/
While driving on an errand today, I heard the “Focus on the Family” interview about the family tragedy in May. I would just like to say to your entire family that I know that your outstanding love for, and faith in God, will bring each and every one through this. Everyone in your family is included in my thoughts and prayers. You are an amazing and strong family.
I saw you this weekend at the Women of Faith and heard you tell about your precious little Maria Sue,my husband and I lost a little girl just 2 months before that,her name was Novy MaKayla she only lived for 15 min. and 6 yrs before that we lost our 8 yr old son Mickeal. My heart is so with your family,,,I will continue to lift you all up to our sweet heavenly Father…I hope your son is doing well, extra prayers of peace for him. I loved the new song about Heaven in the face of a child…when will it be out? Gotta have it !!! I hope you all have a very blessed year Full of peace that surpasses all understanding. Love You Guys,KK