Tragedy

Tragedy--

In a heartbeat, a breath, it can end.  Dreams, plans...never to be realized.  Memories so very precious.  Texts, emails, photographs saved for all time.  Pictures touched by fingers that long to feel the warmth just one more time.  Voicemails listened to over and over.

Who would have imagined that this wonderful event would have such a tragic ending.  No one would.  Everyone was waiting for their return.  To listen to the stories.  To laugh about the silly things that happened.  To celebrate the homecoming.  No one would have ever thought such a thing could happen.  Especially to these fine people.  These people who were loved by family, friends, co-workers.  No, this is not what happens to people following a wonderful experience.

And yet it did.

The difficult thing is life will continue.  There is no choice in that.   Days will follow days.  Lonely nights will seem endless.  Tears will flow like rivers.  It won't seem fair.  And it isn't.  There is no fairness in a child missing a dad.  A wife longing for the embrace of that man she loves so much.  A parent grieving--this is not the way it should be.  They should not outlive their child.  Emptiness all around.  In every room.  Around every corner.  In the scent of the clothes hanging in the closet.  The summer vacation plans.  Everything is different.  Nothing is the same.  A new normal no one wants.  Sometimes anger.  Always sadness and lonliness.  How to move beyond?  How to find peace?

Broken hearts.  Broken lives.   Well meaning people may say time will help heal.  I don't know about that.  Time will move the tragedy further away, but it won't take away the pain. Each person touched by this awful event must find their way.  It will be different for each one.  One may find comfort in family and friends.  Some in their faith.  Others in memories.  Some in going through photographs remembering precious times shared.  There is no one  way to move through this.  No time frame.  This is unchartered territory.  A new walk with no worn path.  No map with directions.

Thinking and grieving for these precious families reminds me that we are all mortal.  We were created for a time--not forever.  What I would have done had I been in charge was to make sure all people lived to at least 80.  I would have guaranteed in writing that all people on this earth would have the opportunity to watch their children grow into adulthood.  Watch them choose a career.  A life partner.  Children. Grandchildren.  And only when they were old and tired would it be time to move to the next experience.  There to await the arrival of those they love.

But, I am not in charge.  So I grieve with those sweet souls whose hearts are broken.  May they find the peace they so desperately seek in the coming days, weeks, months and years.  It will come slowly.  One step forward, three back.  Four back.  Then one forward.  But for now may they know the love and care of those who are reaching out.  Those who want to help shoulder the sadness.  Those who feel helpless but desiring to help.

And may those families know in their heart of hearts how dearly they were loved.  Always and forever.