Love for the Maslins

Tragedy. It's one of those emotions that no one wants to grapple with. Sometimes it's expected, as in the death of an elderly relative, and other times it is completely unexpected and can utterly turn your life upside down.  If you live in the DC area, you may recall a brutal beating that took place on Capitol Hill in August.  A young husband and father, TC Maslin, was walking home after an evening of baseball and fun with friends when he was attacked by three young men who stole his cell phone and wallet, beat him to a pulp, and then left him to die.  TC spent eight hours fighting for his life before someone finally discovered him and called 911. 

I think of the Maslins often. For some reason, their story really got under my skin. I know that people are attacked in Washington DC nearly every day, but for some reason this particular situation was different to me, perhaps because it seems so random and unnecessarily violent. For weeks, the details of the attack were largely unpublished, but I couldn't stop thinking about the Maslins. Finally, after many weeks, they were able to connect the suspects to the crime and the three young men are now standing trial. While I certainly hope that they face the justice that they deserve, the trial is such a minute part of the whole situation.  A young family- TC, Abby, and their two year old son Jack, have such a long and challenging road ahead of them.  And yet, despite all of the devastating and utterly painful emotions that Abby must be feeling, she's found a way to share her/their story via a blog, www.loveforthemaslins.blogspot.com .

When I discovered the blog, I immediately began welling up inside.  How could you not? And yet, hidden within all of the sadness that permeates this situation, is the lining of hope and inspiration.  TC and Abby are fighters, and darn good ones at that.  From Abby....

"People often worry about what to say and what to do for others during tragedy. They don't want to offend, or pretend to understand, or minimize anyone's pain. From my perspective, people need not worry so much.
No, you can't exactly understand, but if you've experienced hardship, you can certainly relate. I have received the most amazing stories from people who have also experienced traumatic brain injuries or who have been caregivers to those who have. Thank you. Even if I haven't been able to personally respond yet, your words have been completely inspiring. When doctors are only willing to give worst case outcomes, your words give me hope for a better future ahead."

Please continue sending your thoughts and prayers to the Maslins.  They obviously have one heck of a fight ahead of them, but if how they have coped thus far is any indication, they will push through and move past this- someway, somehow.  Their lives may never be the same again, but they will adjust and continue to be the adorable, loving family that they always have been. 

TC, Abby, and Jack- you have the love, prayers, and strength of so many people pulling for you.

The most recent Washington Post article is here