“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” – Romans 15:13
Sarah Perry, an eighth grader whose parents died in a tragic plane crash in Tuscaloosa on Sunday, took to social media less than 48 hours later to pen a message so hopeful that it has left many in awe of her resilience.
Sarah’s parents, Dr. Michael and Kim Perry, were among six individuals who were killed in the crash, leaving behind a total of 11 children, including Sarah and her younger brother and sister.
“I will help them with anything they need,” Sarah wrote of her siblings. “I will be my sister’s Santa Claus and I will be there for my sister when she gets older! I will help my brother with his homework and with any problems he ever has! And I will also help my grandmother, who will be raising me for the rest of my life. It will be hard and there will be obstacles along the way, but if we all stay strong and stick together we can get through this because I know this is what my parents would want!”
“I know I will see them in heaven,” she wrote in conclusion, “so this is not the end!”
Read her full message below, but make sure to have the tissue ready.
“Ok, so I wanted to start by thanking everyone for the hugs, kind paragraphs (and yes I read every single text/ snapchat/ DM/ Facebook message, even if I didn’t respond) and support. I also wanted to thank everyone for helping me celebrate @ellisfarese 14th birthday yesterday!
“I love you so much:)!! Every single hug and message filled my broken heart. The truth is, yes, I am heartbroken, sad, tired, and devastated, but I have to keep my faith. It has to grow stronger and stronger. This wild journey brought me closer to my family and grew my relationship with God! and this is just the beginning.
“I also wanted to thank every single teacher, parent, and other supporters for EVERYTHING! Y’all are the best and have kept my whole family strong! I’m not gonna lie, yea it hurts to never have someone to call ‘mom’ or ‘dad’ again. and I don’t know why tragic, horrible things like this happen. But what I do know is that I have aunts, uncles, cousins and and grandmothers who will be with me on this journey.
“I also know I will stay strong for my brother and sister! I will help them with anything They need. I will be my sister’s Santa Claus and I will be there for my sister when she gets older! I will help my brother with his homework and with any problems he ever has! And I will also help my grandmother who will be raising me for the rest of my life. it will be hard and there will be obstacles along the way, but if we all stay strong and stick together we can get through this because I know this is what my parents would want! I know for a fact I will never physically see my parents again on earth, but they will never, ever leave my heart.
“They will still guide me through life and help me with my problems. I know I will see them in heaven, so this is not the end! I know they supported and cared for me so much!
“I know they loved me and would do anything for me! The main thing I ask is for y’all to share any memories with me if you have any of my parents! Don’t hesitate to ask me questions because we can get through this together! I promise! So imma go out there and be my best and I will get through this:) Thank y’all for everything!”
