in an instant

Last week I was walking to the mailbox when I ran into my neighbor.  I asked how she was doing and she said not good.  I was walking towards her when she told me her mother had just died.

A few days later I received a phone call from my husband that one of his co-workers had been involved in a fatal motorcycle accident.  We went to the hospital where she had been put on life support so her family could come say their goodbyes.  It was a feeling a surreal.  None of it seemed like it was happening.

This morning I received a phone call from one of my very close friends.  She called to tell me that her husband had died last night.  I made her repeat it because I didn't think I possibly heard her correctly.  She repeated it and I again asked, WHAT?  He left behind 2 young and beautiful children.

When you hear of someones passing, emotions take over.  Often times when emotions take over, words quickly escape.  I didn't know what to say to each person.  I don't think anyone has the right words to say, ever.  We feel with our hearts and our emotions but thinking cognitively doesn't come as easy.  All I could muster out with each of these were, "I'm sorry"  It doesn't seem like enough.  Words will never be enough and that is why we have our emotions.  Our emotions will tell us what we can do.  We can cry, grieve, feel and physically be there for the survivors.  We can let these survivors know that they are not alone.  We can do whatever task is too daunting for them to handle on their own.  We can provide love and comfort just by being there.  We can pray for their strength.  The right words may not always be necessary.  Love is.

...when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
~James 1:2-3

One week and 3 deaths has really put life in perspective.  It is short, it really is.
Love with all your heart.  Let the little things go.

Things can change in an instance.  No one is ever ready for that time and there is no way to prepare for it.  You feel lost, you feel anger, hurt, sad, confused.  There is going to be a lot of I wish I would have's, or I wish I said I love you or Thank You more.  Say it now.  It's never too early or too late to tell someone how you feel.

I love you all!