Hurting Hearts

It has been a rough few days.

I've had two close friends lose pets. Dogs and cats may seem fairly uninteresting to some, but when  you have one . . . it is an entirely different story. The unconditional love given by a pet is indefinable. It is that comfort one receives after the worst day of dealing with humans. It is that indescribable joy of a wagging tail or a nuzzle for love. To lose that is a hurt beyond description.

I have another friend who lost an 89 year old uncle. He said he lived a good, long, full life and that is a beautiful thing. It is a wonder to have witnessed the changing of the world over such a long period and to be surrounded by family and folks that care about you. It is a well-lived journey through which many lives were touched. I'm sure he will be missed.

And yet, another dear, sweet, incredible friend must find a way to bury her son this week. How one finds the strength to bid their child farewell is beyond me. This just simply should never occur, and yet it does. We find solace in the fact that he touched many lives. He was a beautiful, happy, soul who enveloped himself with family and friends and things he loved to do. He will walk in a more beautiful garden and fish a much greater ocean now.  My heart is with his family.

And Oklahoma's storms have claimed so many lives. In a moment's notice, what you took for granted is gone . . . your possessions, your home, your life. How does one put into words the devastation that has taken place? How does one begin to literally pick up the pieces?

My heart hurts. There is an ache so large and inconsolable that I cannot imagine fixing it. Yet, I know, from personal history, that we must continue on. There are tremendously gaping holes left in our lives and in our hearts . . . but we must fill them, bandage them, find love to spackle them up, and continue our journey.

I begin each day and end each day the same . . . in prayer and in thanks for another opportunity. For those that I have lost, I appreciate and give thanks for the time I was blessed to have with them. For those I cannot console currently, I will give them my shoulders, my time, and my prayers.

Chin Up. Knees Down.

I love you all.