My husband and I have been faced with immense sadness this week as two of our dearest and closest friends are on day 7 of this tragic unexpected journey after losing their beautiful 42 year old daughter, (sister, mom, wife, friend) to a devastating automobile accident.
We have no words for these treasured loved ones that will bring true comfort. The torment is indescribable.
It is a journey they must walk blindly with their faith, family and friends and concentrate on taking one breath at a time, deliberately remembering (or being told) to put food in their mouths.
It’s a journey where they may “accidentally” laugh one moment and cry the next, feeling guilty for the fleeting moment of laughter.
It’s a numbing pain we know they are feeling, yet we remember, when it wears off, the pain somehow actually gets worse.
It’s realizing that photos and memories are all that is left of this special child who became their best friend and confidant and someone with whom they excitedly looked forward to experiencing all the magical moments this life has to offer.
This precious child of theirs, given graciously to them by God, has been loved and cherished since arriving in this world.
This beautiful child has gained her wings too soon and the family is left looking for signs in the wind and the sky, in their dreams and their music, in their hearts and their home and in the eyes of all those left behind.
So hug your people. Check on them. Love them unconditionally. Listen to them without judgment. Hold their hand. Spend time with them. Look them deep in the eyes. Ask them questions about their world, rejoice in their accomplishments and cry with their pain.
Although our journey of loss was caused by our girls increased depression, the pain, unimaginable and always present, is something our entire family has never hoped or wished for anyone else to have to feel.
To our dear friends and family facing this pain today, we love you and we will be here. Always.
