Monday, May 7, 2012

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!


12 comments:

  1. i totally understand this post karen. no one is really ever ready for the event that happens or the emotions that follow it. all we can do is trust in God and cling to the hope He provides us whenever tragedy strikes. Im sorry for all the hurt and loss you experienced recently

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  2. I never know what to say to people and I just end up crying and I feel so bad.

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  3. I can totally understand your loss for words in those situations. Close friends of ours suddenly lost their 14 year old daughter while having a minor surgery last year. I could barely bring myself to go to her funeral, but I forced myself. As I hugged the mother I didnt know what to say, and she looked me in the eyes and simply said "I am so glad you are here." No words needed just being there for her was a slight comfort in a devastating situation.

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  4. that's so sad. i'm sorry to hear all of this.
    i never know what to say either. but your right, letting them know your here for them for whatever whenever is always comforting.
    i love you too!

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  5. stay strong and bold during this time of pain. I will pray for peace for your family and friends. I went through a time last year where I felt like so many people in my circle passed and my mom reminded me that when you a lot of people, there is a higher chance of things happening, right? Prayers!

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  6. You're beautiful and I love you!!!!!!!!

    My thoughts are with each family.


    xx
    Tab

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  7. So very sorry to hear such sad news....
    Each day is a GIFT, we have to cherish every minute :)
    lots of love to you my dear,
    Maggie
    xo

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  8. Wow, that is so much in such a short time. I would be in shock. It never seems like enough no matter what I say to people who have lost a loved one. It's at times like these that just remind us to be grateful for what we have and that we are still here to do good and make amends, to enjoy life and love one another and not to take that for granted which is so easy to do when distracted with daily life.

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  9. And we love you too!! I am so sorry to read this, not only because you have had a hard time hearing all of this news this week (that can't have been easy!), but because these families that are left behind to grieve have a long journey ahead of them without their loved ones. Truly heartbreaking...

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  10. i'm so sorry to read of all the heartache you've endured. you're so right...it is so hard to convey your emotions in those instances. there's just so much that hits you all at once. my thoughts and prayers are with you and the loved ones who lost.

    on a brighter note,
    i hope you had a beautiful Mother's Day!!!

    wishing you a happy week <3
    xoxox
    maria

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  11. Oh wow.... I am so sorry to hear about all of this loss..... I'll be thinking of and praying for them all.

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  12. awwww very sorry to hear this! What a tough week. I never feel like I have the right words to say either...I have found that just simply being there can help/ praying for you friend!

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