Fragility

Have you ever experienced a life changing moment first hand?

One that rocked you to the core - so hard - that you never thought you would be able to pick up the pieces and continue on?

I have been surrounded by people in my life who have experienced these horrible life changing events.  I think to myself, how?  How can they move forward?  How do they deal with the deep pain in their hearts and souls?  How can their hope and happiness be restored?  How can they deal with the feelings of helplessness, despair and overwhelming sadness?

Today I learned that the mother of a boy in Luke's preschool passed away.  Just 3 years ago his father died in an accident.  Both of his parents are gone.  Gone.  It's unimaginable to me.  He's only 3 years old and his sister is only 5.  How can a child grow up without the love of their mother and father?  I ache for this family.  All I can do is ask why?  WHY?  But that answer will never be known.  

Life is so fragile.  We have no control over it.  That is a scary reality.  It makes you stop and put your own life in perspective.  

But I don't want to live in that fear.  I am thankful that I have hope.

I want to leave loving and lasting memories and do things in my life that have meaning and importance.  I want to love and be loved for who I am and what I have to give.  We only have one chance at this life.  There are no do-overs.  

I want to be able to let the small things go.  I want to absorb every moment I have with my kids while I watch them grow and learn.  I want to live with no regrets.  I want to be there for others and offer support and encouragement.

I desperately want peace.  And that can only come from the One above.