Choosing the title for this post was a challenge. If you've been reading or listening to the news lately chances are you have at least heard about her story. The Lauren Scruggs Tragedy. Her name, for now, will be linked to words like tragedy, horror, brain injury, severed left hand.....
But until late Saturday night her name would have been linked to words like editor in chief of on-line fashion magazine lolomag.com, fashion blogger, Gossip Girl stylist, reporting for New York Fashion Week, PlanoTX model, up and coming....and she is only 23 years old.
Her style is natural and organic, often times going without make-up at all. What? No false eyelashes and airbrushed make-up? I'm dumbfounded and sold already. But I will not leave the house without make-up b/c I'm not Lauren Scruggs and not 23.
From what I've read Lauren was on a small prop plane looking at Christmas lights on Saturday night and landed at a private airport North of Dallas in McKinney. She exited the plane and they are speculating that she turned back to perhaps thank the pilot and walked into the propellar that was still in motion. You can read more from abcnews.go and watch a video (that automatically starts so turn your volume down) here.
Some people just can't imagine how she managed to do that. I can't imagine how THEY can't imagine how she did that. I have opened a bathroom door into my face before leaving a long vertical bruise down my forehead and cheek. My night vision is terrible so I get it. I can imagine it and she's not some sort of freak for having done it. Unimaginable things happen every day.
The injuries are devastating.
The left side of her face..through her eye, skull, and part of her brain was slashed. Her left shoulder slashed. Her left hand was severed and since then, amputated.
Her mother was there. This made my knees weak.
Talk about a change of plans. Normally I would look at a young beautiful successful blonde model and want to kick her teeth out. And then I'd look at her beautiful brunette fraternal twin sister Brittany and kick her teeth out as well, you know, so they could still be twin-ish. However, I've matured (thank you Jesus). My 33 year old mom eyes see my daughters at 23. The hope, the joy, the endless possibilities. I see Lauren and read her credentials and I am inspired by her. She is truly chasing her dreams and my 33 year old (looser not chasing my dreams) self is rooting her on.
Her parents, Jeff and Cheryl Scruggs, spoke briefly about her recovery (in the abc article I linked to above) and were just as grief stricken as you would imagine. I was surprised to find out that they have written a book "I do Again". The title immediately intrugued me so I watched a video that captures their bitter sweet story and it left me wanting to drop everything and go get that book and read it cover to cover while pretending I have the flu.
I chose not to do that last thing but here is the video for you and if you choose to do that last thing then it's on you.
I do realize that some marriages have to end and reconciliation is not for the best. I just want to throw that out their to my girls (and guys) who have turned new pages and are experiencing much deserved sweet blessings in their new relationships. But I still love this story and how God can change people.
That is the most important point. He can change us if we desire to change.
I think that concept is applicable in so many situations. Satan seems to love to be a constant reminder of our weaknesses and mistakes hoping for them to define us and make us believe that the chance of ever changing is small if not impossible.
As I read about Lauren's recovery (CaringBridge/Lauren Scruggs) I find myself wanting her to come back stronger than ever. I just think it's a beautiful thing to see someone take their passion and live it out. Especially at such a young age. An age where I was mostly concerned with what was going to happen on the Felicity finale and that was about it. Still a little bitter about that ending. Noel forever.
As far as my title goes, one day I hope that when someone Googles "Lauren Scruggs" that the word inspiration will far out weigh tragedy. The Lauren Scruggs Inspiration. I like it.
