Overwhelming Grief and Overwhelming Love
Today I went to a funeral service for the loss of the son of one of my dearest friends. He was only 29 with a very young daughter and a son on the way.
The anguish that my friend is experiencing cannot be articulated in words. It is tangible. It emanates from her every pore. The pain and sadness this family is going through at the loss of a son, brother, husband, father, and friend is breath-taking.
The multitude of friends and loved ones was truly overwhelming... there were people everywhere, last night at the visitation and today at the service. People overflowed from the chapel, the hallway, the lobby and several other rooms as well with us trying to watch a screen showing the service in another room or trying to listen over speakers. At every turn there was love. The comments, the poems, the readings, the hugs, the tears.
The photo montages that were large and at every turn showed all parts of his life. His friendships, his smile, his caring, his interests, his love of family, his marriage, his joy at fatherhood. The trophies and awards around us showed his accomplishments. The floral arangements which had his belongings intertwined amongst the blooms were so personal and such a tribute to his personality and passions. The overflowing nightstand of snacks off to the side gave a feeling of his presence right there with us. Such love went into sharing all of this with those of us who came to share our respects.
As a mom, I have, out of love, compassion and sympathy for my beloved friend, tried to picture how I would feel if I were to lose a child as she has. The glimpse of agony that fills my heart just at trying to picture it cannot possibly resemble what she now feels.
I hope with all my heart that all of the love that surrounded them today will continue to buffer them and heal them and nurture them in the dark days ahead.
True friendship is a rarity. My friend Linda is a true friend. She gives more from her heart then anyone I have ever met. I have only ever wished the absolute best for her. Right now, I wish healing for her with all my heart.
1 comment:
My heart goes out to your friend and the family. I don't know what I would do if I lost one of my children, or if I lost my husband.
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