Karen
I took myself on a walk this morning. Some days, it is so easy to feel the love of God – in the dappled sunshine, the cool, crisp air, the chirping of the birds. My bouffant ponytail bounced on top of my head, and I soaked in the hope.
It’s hard to believe what is happening thousands of miles away, in Seattle. After almost two years of fighting pancreatic cancer, a dear friend’s mother died yesterday. She was far too young. And my friend is far too young to have lost her parent, her best friend, her confidant – a woman who fought valiantly and with such dignity.
Death used to be just a distant rumor. I’m sad to think that those days are over for me. I am learning how to stand beside friends as they lose family members.
share:
tags: Death
I’m sorry to hear about Karen, whether she is the mother or the daughter (not entirely sure), I’ll be praying for her.
Patience is a virtue. You’ve got your bouffant ponytail. :)
Keep on keepin’ on.
Much love,
Little Annie Parsons
I am so, so sorry for you, your dear friend, and her mother. When my long journey with grief began in 1989, as Daddy died, I was overwhelmed. But I had no idea that it was the opening of the door to face and face again and again the awfulness of death; my only sibling, my mother, my mentor, the perfect dog, countless parishioners who have meant so much, my dear friend and financial advisor, my father-in-law, my beloved grandmother-in-law. . . it is so hard, so bottomless.
And yet. . . my last glimpse is always that of the face of Jesus. My only hope. And what a hope He is.
You said a long time ago that part of your “Big Move” was to learn to “live big” and “be brave.”
We all understood that it had to do with uprooting from your comunity in Seattle and transplanting to Nashville, and it certainly did. But now I think you are beginning to see that another part of being brave is facing up to worst and darkest parts of life, loneliness, misery, defeat, and death.
As one who had had to be brave in this same way, I can say that after seeing the way you came along side the Townes even from afar, you are one person that I would want to walk with through darkness. Maybe God is beginning to show a gift that has lain dormant until now.
You are very brave and a true blessing to us all.
Oh no… Is this who I think it is? I’m so sorry this awful day finally came. :( I’m glad K. has you lean on though– even if it’s hard and new to walk friends through these miserable experiences… You do a good job.
Praying.
I am so sorry for this loss. No matter how many times we grieve, it never gets easier.
God’s Comfort be with you and your friend’s family.