Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Memorial

I can't sleep. Third night in a row. The tragic death of my friend's 18- month-old daughter is haunting me. I keep trying to imagine how it would feel to learn my only child had suddenly passed away. Then trying NOT to imagine how it would feel to learn my only child had suddenly passed away. I am often surrounded by people who have miscarriages or the babies die quite young, but 18 months is a different story. It's old enough to laugh, walk, run, and talk. Old enough that you can know her real personality. Old enough that life without her feels empty and meaningless.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He recues those whose spirits are crushed." Psalm 34:18

She died Saturday and I learned of it Sunday night. It took until Monday morning to decide to fly to Michigan for the funeral. Sarah, the mother, is my "old best friend". I think everyone has a few of those. I hadn't spoken to her in years but we reconnected around my cancer diagnosis. I suppose this new tragedy offers a way for me to redeem myself after years of being a bad friend. Unfortunately I'm pretty sure there were other ways. This isn't the redemption I was praying for, Lord! I wanted you to grow back my eyelashes and smooth away my new wrinkles!

"As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is proven;
He is a shield to all who trust in Him." Psalm 18:30

I feel like I'm suffocating. There's a weight on my chest that is heavier at night. Cancer has taught me how important it is to be there for people and I do it (or try to) without the strings or questions. But I'm worthless to her now, the baby has already died! I wouldn't have come for the funeral if it was before everything I've been through, but because of it I felt compelled. It made more sense to come later, after everyone but Sarah and her family went back to their old lives. But, God said now is the time I should go, so I did. He lined up everything so it wasn't even a big hardship. But, um, what now? What is the point? I have no wisdom, no power, no strength to offer.

"Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You." Psalm 143:8

She says she has a great support system and I know she'll be surrounded by loved ones, so I will just hug her and hang out. Maybe my silent prayers will help her in the future. Maybe. God is in this. So why I am?

"...we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You." 2 Chronicles 20:12
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4 comments:

  1. Pet MemorialJune 13, 2012 at 2:01 AM

    Great article... and thanks for sharing viewsDog Death

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  2. BethJune 13, 2012 at 10:22 AM

    Oh, Erin, how tragic. You are right to go. Your presence will be a comfort, even if you speak no words. My prayers for you, Sarah, and her family. (((hugs)))

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  3. Laurie LeeJune 13, 2012 at 8:20 PM

    God will use you, He will work through you to comfort your friend. I suffered the loss of a child many years ago and still remember those who were kind enough to come and just be there. No words were necessary. Just friends with lots of tissues.

    The very fact that you are traveling so far to be with Sarah and her family is a testimony of your love. I am praying!

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  4. jamisonJune 25, 2012 at 9:41 AM

    Go with the flow( God`s ),then ask questions later. Although I also understand that we all need to ask ourselves questions beforehand such as why,and what and so forth ( to a point ).
    The Disciple Peter comes to mind, as a man that was constantly inquisitive, and always striving to do the right thing.

    Glad you are doing better Erin
    Uncle Jamison

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