We live in a small town. Living in a small town is hard for most to understand, but everyone know's everybody and has a vested intrest in the people of our community. Today has been a tough day here in our small town. A dear friend and a member of the community Niki Edwards passed away today. My last post was a prayer request and I want to thank everyone who prayed for Niki. She was only here for 21 short years, but she was loved by many people and we are all hurting over this tragic loss.

I have known Niki for several years. We weren't close friends, but she was a person I thought very highly of and had the pleasure of knowing while she was here with us on earth. The memory that sticks in my head the most was a little over a year ago. Niki was taking some tax classes at school and had a project that covered like 10 chapters and she asked me if I could help her. Of course I was more than glad to help and we sat here at the house for a few hours and worked on the project. Niki was the type of person who always made you smile. She loved the country, she always had a smile on her face and you just felt happy when you were around her. She was a strong girl, she had suffered the loss of her boyfriend in a car accident almost a year ago and the strenth she had was remarkable. She worked hard and was really a young lady who had expeirenced a lot of things in her life despite her age. There are so many nice things I could say about Niki, she was just that type of person. I can't believe that she is gone, it is truely devestaing to everyone in our town.

With all the sadness I feel, I know Niki has gone to a better place. I believe that God has a plan for every person. I believe our lives to some extent are already planned for us. While it is hard for me to understand why this tragidy happened, I know God had a plan for Niki and he needed her to come home. I won't question his reasons, I am thankful for the time we had to spend with Niki. I know she is in a better place where there is no pain or suffering and that brings comfort to me. I can't imagine what her family is going through at this time. I am sure like everyone they wonder why this had to happen to such a wonderful girl. I hope they can find strength and comfort in knowing that she is hevean and will always live in thier hearts. I would like to ask you to continue to pray for her family, friends and our community as everyone trys to deal with these terrible circumstances.

I am terrible with things like this... I never know the right words or how to deal. I know throughout life we have to deal with death, but I just have a hard time with it. It just makes me extreemly uncomfortable. My heart goes out to Niki's family. I will miss Niki, but I know she is watching over us!!! Rest in peace sweet girl, you will never be forgotten!