This long, lonely path called grief ...
Today a dear friend of mine joined us all on this path of grief. Her 22 year old son died of unknown reasons. Knowing why doesn't change the ache for us and I know it won't for her. This is a trip I never wished any of my friends join me on and one I could travel without another member.
He was loved by so many and a life that wasn't without obstacles. He has a single car accident in his Jr year of high school that left him with so many medical problem one confining him to a wheelchair. That didn't change his outlook, his smile, his heart ~ you'd be hard pressed to find a person to say something bad about him.
Kim and I have been friends for years and co-workers during one of my lowest points. So many days she motivated me to go on, was there to listen and even pull me a long if I needed. She was one of the first people I saw after hearing Randy Lee had died and was supportive along the way. We had that sort of friendship that even without daily contact we could just pick up where we ended and keep going. I think that is a skill learned with age ~ one of knowing friendship over knowing others.
I found myself thinking of her throughout the day. I left her a message to know I was here, if she needed all she need to do is yell. I remember those first days - a blur of sorts. I honestly don't recall much of them. I know they occurred but what I did on each - I couldn't tell you. Kim has a big, loving family and I know they are drawn together. I know she will reach out when she needs and for now, I just want to give them the time they need as a family.
I can't help think of Randy Lee today. How it felt ... feels ... how long it's been. 12 1/2 years ... my gosh, I can't remember how I got here. I was sure I would live 12 1/2 hours ... or days ... left alone years.
So, I'm asking all my friends on this path we never wished to travel to say a prayer for Kim & her family to find strength in their faith, God, one another today and over those days to come as they grieve their son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend and the path to go one without him here beside of them. It's a pain, an ache we all know too well.
He was loved by so many and a life that wasn't without obstacles. He has a single car accident in his Jr year of high school that left him with so many medical problem one confining him to a wheelchair. That didn't change his outlook, his smile, his heart ~ you'd be hard pressed to find a person to say something bad about him.
Kim and I have been friends for years and co-workers during one of my lowest points. So many days she motivated me to go on, was there to listen and even pull me a long if I needed. She was one of the first people I saw after hearing Randy Lee had died and was supportive along the way. We had that sort of friendship that even without daily contact we could just pick up where we ended and keep going. I think that is a skill learned with age ~ one of knowing friendship over knowing others.
I found myself thinking of her throughout the day. I left her a message to know I was here, if she needed all she need to do is yell. I remember those first days - a blur of sorts. I honestly don't recall much of them. I know they occurred but what I did on each - I couldn't tell you. Kim has a big, loving family and I know they are drawn together. I know she will reach out when she needs and for now, I just want to give them the time they need as a family.
I can't help think of Randy Lee today. How it felt ... feels ... how long it's been. 12 1/2 years ... my gosh, I can't remember how I got here. I was sure I would live 12 1/2 hours ... or days ... left alone years.
So, I'm asking all my friends on this path we never wished to travel to say a prayer for Kim & her family to find strength in their faith, God, one another today and over those days to come as they grieve their son, brother, grandson, uncle, cousin, nephew, friend and the path to go one without him here beside of them. It's a pain, an ache we all know too well.
Replies
Praying.
I will pray for Kim and her familyyou are kind to reach out and support her in this wayBless you!
Love, Donna
I\'m so, so sorry for her. Please encourage her to come be with us when she is ready. The tidal waves will still come in with rip tide currents but we will be right there to throw her a lifeline.