Dear Brother and Sister,

Today marks the ten-year anniversary of the most horrible day of my life. It’s the day I signed divorce papers, bringing an end to my 30-year marriage. And it’s the day you both left earth for heaven, in a horrific car accident driving up to South Dakota. Two totally separate incidents, but both dealing a huge blow to my world.

I don’t claim to know how heaven works, but I would like to think that you have a window to your loved ones, and are cheering us on, and interceding before the throne of Jesus for us. But I wanted to commemorate this anniversary by writing you a letter of all the things I would want you to know about the last ten years.

• Your four children are incredible in SO many ways. They were dealt the unimaginable pain of losing you both on the same day. And they each could have made bad choices amid their pain, and we would have understood why. But they didn’t. Each of them made individual choices to pursue LIVING WELL, despite their pain. It’s a testament to how you made your family a priority. They had such a strong foundation to help them rebuild life without you. In these past ten years, they have made each other a priority, and supported and encouraged each other. You would love that they all live in the same city and see each other often. They carry your legacy on in so many beautiful ways. I can’t help but see each of you in them with the choices they make, and the intentional way they live their lives. I mention often to them, “Your parents are SO proud of you!”

• Your family tree is rich with fruit! Your 3^rd grand-baby was in the womb when you were taken from us, and this year your 11^th and 12^th grand-babies were born! You have one dozen beautiful grandchildren! I laugh because so far, I only have two grandchildren. Ty, I can just hear you saying to me, “I’m lapping you in the grandkid department!” And you are! It is my joy to spend time with your grandchildren, but it is so bittersweet. I always think of you in those moments when I’m with them. I am so sad they will not know their amazing TyTy and Noni this side of heaven. But I share stories of you with them and let them know how much you would have loved being a part of their lives. Your children and their spouses are incredible parents, a blend of patience, firmness, and fun. It reminds me of the home life they had growing up.

• We are down to one parent between all of us. Terri, you parents lived well into their 90’s and died six months apart last year. No surprise that they didn’t want to live life without the other after over 70 years of marriage! Gpa Schenzel is 93 and our stepmom Gunn is 95. They are going strong, though at a bit slower pace. The two of them have made it to every grandchild’s wedding celebration, and most of the annual Hope Galas. Dad doesn’t speak often of losing you, but when he goes to the cemetery his silence represents the gigantic hole left in his heart. It will be a glorious day for him when he joins you in heaven.

• I survived my divorce and was single for over five years. Initially I stayed in Florida and worked on healing my heart. Wonderful friends still included me as a “single woman”, and I went to a home church that allowed me to feel safe and learn to adjust to a new normal. I felt the nudge to move back to Omaha at the beginning of 2020. The pull of my daughter and all four of your children living in Omaha was strong. God provided the perfect job, and I found a great little house to rent! (In fact, for close to a year I lived right across the street from your firstborn and her family of six. It was glorious!) Then out of the blue, my friend introduced me to a widower, and we fell in love! This guy even went to Asbury College with you Ty, and he knew you from Trinity youth group. We married six months after we met, and he treats me like gold, the way you would want a husband to treat me! Bill is an incredible step-dad and step-uncle, such a beautiful addition to our family. I can’t help but think you two may have helped orchestrate this union, “Jesus, send my sister someone to love her well.”

• The Hope Center is going strong. This vision that you birthed and nurtured is still serving the children of North Omaha. They took Hope Skate and renamed it, “The Schenzel Community Center” in your honor. It has become a place for gathering, including senior groups, concerts and celebrations. In fact, your niece had her New Year’s Eve wedding reception there this year, and I taped party hats on your framed photo in the entrance! I ended up being the last person there on the day we returned to do the wedding tear down and did a final dry mop run over the basketball court. It was a quiet, special moment, reflecting on this haven that you both built with so much prayer and dedication.

• And finally, you are remembered, and you are missed in this city. Now that I live in Omaha again, there are many times where I ask someone I meet, “Did you know my brother Ty Schenzel?” After they get over the shock that I’m your favorite (and only) sibling, they always share a story of how you impacted their life. I love living back here, feeling more connected to your legacy. I am SO PROUD to be your sister. I can testify that the ripple effect of the lives you impacted is very strong. This city will forever be a better place because of Ty and Terri Schenzel.

I would give anything to be sitting down tonight at a dinner table with our big family, and heaping piles of Terri’s spaghetti and meatballs. That is my version of what “heaven on earth” would be. But I know you are experiencing the real heaven, and as cousin Steve said at your funeral, “They are more alive today than they’ve ever been!” I take great comfort in that. And I take comfort that I will see you again someday.

Love,

Your Sister Julie