Imagine a sunny afternoon.

Your child is sitting and playing in the garage…having a great time. Or maybe is playing in the shadows at the top of the driveway.

Seemingly out of nowhere a motor vehicle, not equipped with a backup camera or sensors, backs over that child.

It’s a horrible accident.

But this tragic scenario is a reality for some. In fact, on May 25, 2008, it happened to Grammy-winning Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman and his family.

Steven’s sweet adopted five-year-old daughter, Maria Sue (sitting on Steven’s lap), was accidentally backed into by one of her teenage brothers who was parking the family vehicle.

Maria died of her injuries.

She had celebrated her birthday only eight days earlier.

As someone who has experienced a death, I know, even with several months having passed since Maria’s funeral, for the Chapman family, some days ahead will be difficult because the rest of the world moves on.

Now imagine family and friends standing just feet away from a tiny coffin and sharing stories about your child who has died in an accident.

It’s heart wrenching! As a parent I just can’t imagine having to deal with such a death—to have your child die accidentally and wish there was something…anything…you could have done that would have saved them!

Yet there are many families who must face such a long journey ahead in grief.

So when you hear of such stories, wrap those people with love. Be intentional. Pray for them. And if you knew them, help them find peace and joy in the memories they have of their loved one.

And anytime you see a vehicle, let it be a reminder (or whenever you hear a Steven Curtis Chapman song) to remember to look behind you when you are backing up.

May the little angels rest in peace in the arms of love!

Melanie Hack
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My friend
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