Reflecting on Tragedy

I just had a friend lose a 31, or 32 year old brother to freak fall down basement stairs. The same basement stairs I grew up running up and down like a bat out of hell. It was just another sobering moment along the rode of life letting us remember that tomorrow isn't promised. A sobering reminder that there are more important things than possessions and hobbies. It reminded me that people are fragile, no matter how tough. It was a blindsiding moment that a perfectly healthy young man is now gone to this world. There are 3 children, ages 13, 8, and 6 that now don't have a dad in their lives. It's a now single mother who is in charge of taking care of three children without her husband. I found myself near tears on a car ride Saturday unable to really think of much else. Memories of my own mom's death bombarding me on top of the natural empathy I have for all the family members involved that I know. I can't even imagine having to deal with my brother, the same age, all of the sudden not being here anymore. It was a reminder to call my family, remind them I love them and remind yourself not to take anything for granted. It's just been so bleak because there isn't silver lining to be found. Nate's death wasn't an end to suffering from a horrible disease, but something as random as getting hit by lightning. This blog is more therapy than anything for myself, but I hope if you do read it you keep your own family, friends and loved ones closer after reading it. Also, use it as a reminder to be there for friends who have lost loved ones. The pain doesn't end after the funeral. Everyone recovers differently, in both length of time and ways of coping. I believe you never really recover, but are forever altered. I want everyone to know the importance of going to the funeral and visitations. I can't begin to explain how a friendly face of a friend, even someone you may not talk to on a regular basis, or have even seen for a year, can make you feel so much better for that brief period of time. I got a handwritten letter from a friend after my mom's death I saved to this day because it was so well done and meaningful to me. I doubt you read this, but thanks Adam, your letter meant a lot. I encourage everyone to attend Nate's funeral, if you don't know what I'm talking about, then don't attend, but if you do I can't stress the importance enough. Knowing that many people will lift you up when you feel like laying down means the world to you.

"Perhaps they are not stars but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy and looking down on us."

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints,
is when I carried you."