Victims to Victors BY Tracy (Wilfong) LaBruyere
If you saw them today, you would undoubtedly see three teenagers interested in everyday teenage things like sports, friends, school, and phones. But when I look at them, I still see three of the bravest kindergarteners I ever had the privilege of teaching in my decade-long career. Long before their first day of kindergarten, I had met them, knew their story, and prayed for them. They were ‘the triplets’ who frequently attended our church whenever their mom, Jacque, visited her parents. I remember the horror we all felt hearing that Jacque was missing. Our first thoughts were of those innocent five-year-olds whose lives would be changed forever. That was in June. The family spent the rest of the summer trying to find “Justice for Jacque” and caring for three kids who had lost their amazing mom. By August, the triplets needed to start kindergarten; and providentially, I started my first year as a kindergarten teacher at the Lutheran School. The family said Jacque wanted the triplets in a faith-filled environment because rough times were ahead. Because God has His hands in even the tiniest of details, I had already been teaching them in children’s church, and the family hoped a familiar face would be a comfort as the triplets started school. In our area, everyone had heard what had happened; Jacque’s story was very well known. Obviously, the family wanted to protect the kids from the horror of this tragedy. The triplets only knew their “angel mommy” was gone. They were unaware of their father’s involvement, only that he was gone, too. Before school began, I spent time with each family in our class explaining the triplets’ situation. We decided our classroom would be a safe place for them. All the parents had separate conversations with their kids to prepare them. We were united to protect and help the triplets and their family through this horrific occurrence. Many days the three children cried because they missed their mommy; they wanted her to be there for all the family events. Often, the anger and confusion in their hearts were too much, and one or the other would yell or scream. We also experienced good days when one of them would say something with childlike faith, bringing tears to my eyes. Emotionally positive days produced laughter, learning, and sharing adventurous accomplishments with their aunt and uncle. Each triplet had a distinct personality, and each one dealt with their fear, anger, J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2 2 5
