Published: February 09, 2006 04:18 pm      

Thank God for friends

MUSINGS

The past three weeks have been rather challenging for our families on my wife’s side and my side. On January 13, our brother-in-law Frank Mims died unexpectedly and suddenly. It is still difficult to believe.

On January 31, my brother Bill Wright died. His condition of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has been progressive over the past two or three years. His death was expected, but not this soon.

Both of these loved ones lived a full life and were very talented. On the mental level, I can accept their death as a normal part of life. On a feeling or emotional level, it is difficult to accept and raises questions of why?

Those of us who have lost loved ones know what it feels like to have a feeling of emptiness. It’s almost as if there is a big hole in our hearts and we grieve and try to fill this hole with tears. We tell ourselves that our situation will be better in the future, but not now.

Thank God that there are friends that are there for us. Their words, cards, flowers, food visits and cakes are symbols of their care for us. All of these gifts do not change our situation, but this care and concern, this support helps us through the wilderness of our sad feelings.

To everyone who is undergoing similar experiences, try not to avoid your grief, which is called denial. Please do not be ashamed of your tears. It is OK to cry. We have been created with tear ducts and it is quite normal and healthy to weep. Rest assured that if we grieve, we will begin filling the void of emptiness with other interests. This moving on does not diminish our love for the departed. This getting on with our life brings dignity and purpose not only to us, but also to the one who has died.

When we love someone, we want the best for them.

Hopefully, these words will be helpful to all those who are grieving and may God continue to bless you. I truly believe that we are on earth for a purpose and that we are alive still to continue to fulfill our destiny.

Have a good week.