A year ago today, Catherine's classmate Grace passed away. Her family has grieved with such strength it has amazed me every day. Having just lived it, I am certain her family also felt grateful she was no longer suffering, but I can not imagine losing a child.
Since Grace's passing, we have also lost my great-uncle, my aunt's mother, a friend's father, my father's best friend, and now my dad. On top of that, one of our cats died, we moved and I had to give up a job that I loved, the kids have switched schools, Andrew's brother had a stroke last week, and there was some drama last spring involving our children. That's a lot in just a year folks.
When I was in high school, my tiny hometown lost nine teenagers to car accidents...that was a HUGE amount. I remember when Jeannette died. Of the nine, the was the last one and the one I personally was closest to. I remember gathering with friends and thinking to myself, "this is it. This will be the last one. We can't take anymore." I am grateful that it was five years before another tragedy of that type befell our community.
I kind of feel that way now. Overall, I recognize that our family is still amazingly blessed, and I experience gratitude on a daily basis. At the same time, I am done. This needs to be the end. While last year's Thanksgiving was the beginning of a cycle of stress and sadness, I am completely confidant that this year's Thanksgiving is the beginning of a cycle of healing.
No comments:
Post a Comment