The children, orphaned by two separate unimaginable tragedies, are being raised by their grandparents, Fred and Wanda Foister. In just a little over a year's time, they lost their mother, Brandy Foister Carnes, in an auto accident; and then their father, Bryan Carnes, suffered an untimely death as one victim in a triple homicide on Jan. 2, 2007.
The events surrounding their father's death are still under investigation, while the process of grief and healing may never end for these children. The tragedies of the past year will certainly remain with them throughout their lives, but their grandparents are doing all they can to create a healthy and normal environment for them, here in the present.
“We take it day by day,” Wanda Foister says. She and her husband are now the only “parents” Brittany, Cody and Austin have.
The children, ages ten, nine and six, all attend Mill Creek Christian Academy. Wanda recognizes Mill Creek Christian Church and Academy as well as Jenson Baptist Church, along with many friends, for supporting the three children during this time.
She speaks optimistically and hopefully, but Wanda Foister is also realistic.
“We thank God for the friends that we have and for the support that we've received,” she pauses, “but when it comes to home time... it's Mammaw and Pap that answer the questions. We've always been honest with our children. The truth is, Fred and I have never gotten to grieve ourselves over the loss of our daughter.”
Wanda maintains that she and her husband wholly focus on their three grandchildren, and depend on them to indicate their own needs.
“With the loss of Brandy, we learned a lot about the kids, they'll teach you about their needs. I keep them so involved and so busy,” she said.
Wanda repeatedly says, “God has a reason for all things.” Wanda's reason at this point in time is obviously her grandchildren. She has worked since the day of their mother's death to fill in the gap, a gap that last month opened wide with the death of their father.
Of their endeavor, Wanda says that she and Fred are, “Taking three little hearts and three little minds into (their) little hands, and just doing (their) best to help them get through this.”
The Foisters are reaching out to their community now for the financial support that they struggle to provide. At the suggestion of concerned individuals, they set up the “Carnes Family Fund” to receive donations for the three Carnes children.
Individuals interested in making a donation can do so at any Community Trust Bank. Simply inform the bank teller that you would like to place a donation into the “Carnes Family Fund”.
Brandy L. Murray is a Staff Writer with the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at bmurray@middlesborodailynews.com.
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