My heart is heavy tonight. My dear friend's mother was killed in an accident. Why are sudden deaths so hard to understand? Since my father died only a year ago and that memory is fresh in my memory, I know what she is going through tonight. Her father passed away while we were in high school so that leaves her alone in this world. It is an odd place to be in when all the members of your immediate family are gone and you are all that is left. You are the "older generation" even though you have your own family now and you have extended family. The loneliness is felt deep in your heart.
I remember vignettes of my friends mother, the times I spent the night with her when we were in school and the times I visited with her after we were grown and married. Her mother was a strong lady that I know had her share of heartaches throughout life, but through it all she stood strong and faced each day with courage. Her mother raised a strong, beautiful, gracious daughter. I know her mother had those same qualities, because you can only teach what you know to your children. I know my friend will miss her mother terribly for I think they were best friends. My friend was given a great gift by God because she got to spend a lot of time visiting her mother just a few short weeks ago. When her grief is not so raw and tender, Oh, how she will treasure those days and the memories they made together. Life is so much shorter than we think. Do we take the time to make the most of what we are given or do we think we will have time later?
This song has helped me during the last year when it felt as though the bad wouldn't stop coming. The title is Move by Mercy Me. These are the verses that spoke to me, maybe it will help my friend.
I'm not about to give up
Because I heard you say
There's gonna be brighter days
There's gonna be brighter days
I won’t stop, I’ll keep my head up
No, I'm not here to stay
There's gonna be brighter days
There's gonna be brighter days
I just might bend but I won’t break
As long as I can see your face
When life won’t play along
And right keeps going wrong
And I can’t seem to find my way
I know where I am found
So I won’t let it drag me down
Oh, I'll keep dancing anyway
