November 4, 2012 my world changed forever. Just after midnight my oldest daughter Skylar (16), and two of her friends, Sophie (17) and Julianna (14), were killed instantly in a single car accident involving 6 teenagers. I’m dedicating this website and blog to my Sky-bird and her two beautiful friends, our 3 angels. I’m hoping that my faith and understanding will bring some peace and perspective to other families that are struggling with the sudden loss of a loved one, especially a child. I trust that God has a plan and purpose for this tragedy, and today begins my journey of finding mine. God bless you Skylar, Sophie, and Julianna – forever in our hearts.
As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the body is formed in a mother’s womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things. Ecclesiastes 11:5
The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
In 2013 we established The Skylar Kooken Memorial Fund in which we award graduating seniors from Bellbrook High School scholarships in Skylar's memory. If you would like to contribute please see the link below for her PayPal account or her 5/3 account. If you would like to mail a check you can send to:
Bellbrook-Sugarcreek School - c/o Kevin Liming
3757 Upper Bellbrook Rd. Bellbrook, OH 45305
Checks should be made payable to: BSEF .
Skylar Kooken Fund must be written in the memo line.
EIN: 31-1751001 (for tax purposes)
Dear Kelli,
You do not know me personally, but you are in my LinkedIn Network. I am sorry to see that I did not connect your name to your daughters until I saw this blog posting.
As a Father of a 25 year old, my heart and prayers go out to you. As a person who fought a big alcohol problem, I had to turn my recovery over to God, because as a human being, I could not control the obsession by myself. After my attempt to kill myself, I fell on my knee’s and asked God to direct me to what He wanted from me. That was 4 years, 10 month and 28 days ago, and He has taken away my obsession with alcohol. I believe that God talks to us through the people on earth. When we have questions or doubts and we question why God has taken something from us, or put us in a position we can not fathom, He has someone come into our lives to try to explain his path.
I am not claiming that I am doing that now. I am just sharing my belief and asking you to keep your eyes and ears open, and maybe God will give you some direction. I know that he places his hands on my shoulders many times and directs me in the path I should go.
My heart aches for you and the families involved in this tragedy. I hope that He uses the people to help you through your pain. My wife and I speak to our son once a day, at least, and we always share our love for each other. I am so glad that the two of you were able to share your love at least twice that day.
My thoughts and prayers, along with my wife’s are with you, your family and the families of all involved. My hope and prayer is that God places his his hands on your shoulder’s and directs you to the answers you are seeking.
With all my heart, I wish you comfort. I always end my notes and emails with this ending, and I hope it will help. Enjoy the day.
Sincerely,
Bob Kuflewski