May. 29, 2008 - bitter sweet days
Well, we went on our camping trip and did enjoy our time away. However, the day before we left, I received the horrid news that a dear lady who babysat me as a child, and was a second mother to me during those years, died. She was only 55 years old, the same age my mom was when she died last year. What was even more heartbreaking was to learn that she killed herself. This was unthinkable to me! I was torn as to whether or not to go on vacation with my family as planned. I went on with my family and took nice clothes so that I could go on by myself to the visitation, once I found out the details. I never heard the details (I was expecting a call from my aunt) and had no access to the computer or newspaper where I was. So, today when I arrived home and got settled back in, I checked the newspaper online. The visitation and funeral were yesterday. I wasn't there. It breaks my heart to think that I wasn't there to give support to her precious children and her husband. It's strange to think that last year, Karen (that's her name) was comforting me at my mother's funeral! I would never had dreamt that Karen would be the one we'd be missing this year, especially under such devastating circumstances. So you see, my last few days have been bitter due to the loss of a dear friend and the reminders of losing my mom, but they were also sweet because I was away with my wonderful husband and children.
I'm doing a Bible study on my own called "A Woman of Contentment". The Scripture used is Ecclesiastes. This week's memory verse fits well with the week's events: "It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of every man; the living should take this to heart." Ecclesiastes 7:2 Strange how God's work reflects our daily lives, isn't it? I suppose "strange" isn't the proper word, but it's all that comes to me at the moment.
Comments
May. 30, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by dixiecajuns
I am so sorry for the lost of your dear family friend. I could tell how heartbroken you are for the way she died. I am glad that you have good memories of her though. Even though you missed the funeral, I know that the family would still love to hear from you anyway. Go ahead and call them, or better yet, go on over and give them a visit. Praying for your broken heart.
Josephine
Jun. 1, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by blessedwith2angels
I am so sorry to hear about your loss and that you weren't able to attend the funeral. Praying for you and their family!
Pam
Jun. 3, 2008 - Praying for you
Posted by brafordchemist
I am sorry for your loss.
Jun. 3, 2008 - Praying for you
Posted by indygirl
I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend.
Jun. 3, 2008 - I'm Sorry
Posted by deovolente
I agree that you could go ahead and call them, send a note, etc. Something very meaningful to her children might be for you to include memories that you have of her...even something as simple as, "The first time she came to watch me I told her she wasn't my mother and couldn't tell me what to do, but I came to cherish her advice etc. etc. etc." Sometimes the actual funeral is such a blur that it is the things remembered and done afterwards that stick with those grieving.
And I am sorry for you. To lose two such influential women in such a short time...I am glad God is in control and knows what He is doing, even when we don't. May He comfort and strengthen you.
Rachel
