What a shame joel, I am so sorry to hear that news! I had a family friend that I raised until she started school, she died of cancer before she was even 16 yrs old...I don't know what her purpose was on this earth, but I am sure God did!

prayers are with the families

Thank you Dazed.

Also sorry to hear about your loss.

I'm sorry to hear that too. Someone very close to me also went a long time before their time and you can't help but wonder WHY??? Without going too New Age on you I'll share that I believe that when the soul's work here is done, then its time for them to move on. Whether the time is 1 day or 100 years, I believe every soul has their own unique purpose here. {Comforting Hugs} DR xxx

My mother died at the age of 57 (in December of 07) and I will never understand why God picked her. My father died when I was in 8th grade (I can never remember how old her was, but it was young). Have you ever heard the song "Sissy's Song" by Alan Jackson? I love the whole song, it reminds me of my mother. But here are a few lines from it that I cherish the most:

"It's hard to say goodbye
Her picture in my mind
Will always be of times I'll cherish
And I won't cry 'cause

She flew up to Heaven on the wings of angels
By the clouds and stars and passed where no one sees
And she walks with Jesus and her loved ones waiting
And I know she's smiling saying
Don't worry 'bout me"

(Written and performed by Alan Jackson)

If you'd like all the lyrics, I can post them. Or if you'd like to read them for yourself, just do a google search for "Sissy's Song" by Alan Jackson. There are a few versions of the video out on the net and Cowboy Lyrics has the correct lyrics.

Yes - sometimes we don't understand why God does things. But, we have to know it is for some reason. I am sorry for your loss Joel, and I am keeping you in my prayers. Many hugs...

I also understand where you are coming from Don.. I lost my sister when she was only 36 my little brother was only 19 and my best friend at 18 a cousin that was 17 and a boyfriend that was 21. They were all too young to go, but God puts on here for a reason, and I just tell myself that he feels that they lived out what they were put here for, and that he is ready to have them back home again with him. I will ask him someday when I get to heaven why he did, but for now, I am just thankful that they were in my life for the time that they were !

That is a great way of looking at things ros...I, too am grateful alshia was in my life for the short time she was and I learned alot from this little girl. She took her cancer and fought like hell and had such a strength in the Lord. She was a true trooper.

i lost my mother five years ago which seem s like forever but yet sometimes feels like yesterday i too wonder why but i know theLord has plans for me and he has them for those who believe if this is at all comforting to you
there is a rhyme and reason to every season
the hard part is we are often left wandering why it had to be them to go
my mom passed with breast cancer at the age of 42 she fought it seven years and i was 21 at the time and three months pregnant with my daughter who has been my saving grace har name is ava-cameryn...
may god bless and his family for he is in a better place although sometimes that isnt very comforting because it is just human nature to be selfish and want them to be here with us but we have to know that they truely are in a better place than we are and one day we will see them again my thoughts and prayers are with you god bless Amber