Jeff and Carolyn led the way.
“As a Christian, I realize that forgiveness is the only way I can be a Christian.” said Jeff. “And in return for that, forgiveness is required of me. So, in that sense, I don’t have a choice.”
They implored us all to forgive a man named Clifford Helm. He was driving the other truck that November night. Original theories ranged from cell-phone distraction to a suicide mission. In court, Helm’s lawyers told the jury he had a coughing fit and blacked out. Before their children were even buried, Carolyn and Jeff visited Helm in the hospital. And, when he was found not guilty of vehicular homicide, the Schrocks stood by his side.
“We personally believe that Cliff was just as much a victim in all this as we were. It was outside of his control,” explained Jeff.
Five years later, that bond remains strong. The two families have dinners together and say their friendship is both strong and necessary for their healing. How do they do it? The Schrocks say – simply – faith.
“As a human, it’s hard to understand that,” said Jeff. “It’s the way we believe God has designed it.”
Please, read the rest: Grace in Grief: The Schrock Family, Five Years Later.