This past weekend I received the devastating news that my beloved friend’s husband had passed away. 🙁 Rest peacefully Mike… While completely overwhelming, this news was not a big surprise as that horrible disease called cancer ( I will not make it stand out by putting a capital “c”) invaded this family over two years ago. But that does not matter. Two years, two weeks, the only difference is the amount of time to process the impending loss of a person you have spent a lifetime with, building an incredible life. It is never enough time to accept the future.
Mike’s passing is the first in my group of friends. The first in my age bracket of the people I have known, become close to and loved for many years. Any loss is mortifying, that I do not deny. The loss of someone in your circle is tragic, but it is also a huge wake up call. I found myself thinking about all the “what if’s” this weekend and it scared the hell out of me. To know that someone whose life has mimicked mine in many ways ( two working parents, several busy children, health issues, financial concerns etc) now has to get up each day and face it without her biggest supporter is overwhelming horrifying. I would never share this thought with her, but how do you even plan to take the next step, let alone the next one hundred? I can only pray and offer my support, but that fear is so prevalent right now. It’s just not right. 🙁
I am not a naive person. I know that death is inevitable. I see it in my job every day, with every file I touch, but I have learned, mostly, to distance myself from that. The gap closed a lot this weekend and I am not sure it will ever widen again. I have crossed over to that stage where people MY AGE will start to go home to our great Father, but I wish I could put on the brakes. I know that is not possible. Aren’t children supposed to outlive their parents? Aren’t we all entitled to live to at least start using our pensions, the ones we worked so hard to obtain in the first place? I guess there really is no entitlement after all.
As I lay my head down to sleep tonight I will do what I always do; I will pray, for that is all I can do right now. Next week will dawn a bit brighter I am sure, but for now this age of awareness, maturity, responsibility, whatever it is, has taken over. My prayers are for my brave friend and her beautiful daughters, for my own loves, family and friends and for you, dear readers. May health, love and peace be yours…
FT&PD
Suz
(((hugs)))
Thanks Jud 🙂 Been such a devastating weekend, I appreciate that ♥
Suz
Yes Suzanne, it is another stage in your life that you must come to terms with and I know you have at this point. Death is like taxes you can’t escape it, but again like you have said, say your prayers asking God to guide you along the way and asking for strength for you and your family as well as your friend. Love you sweetheart.
Mom
Now I am gonna cry ♥ I love you and Dad to Mom, so very, very much ♥♥♥
Suz
I am so sorry to hear the passing of your friend. I am a cancer survivor and at the same time I also lost my brother in law several weeks ago and a dear friend to a year ago to cancer. My prayers too are with your friend.
Sandra
Thank you so much Sandra, I appreciate the kind words and prayers. Such a hard thing to get through and I will pray for your continued strong health as well. We have to take this life one step at a time…
Suz ♥
My love, prayers and sympathy to you, Suzanne, and the widow and children of the young man who died. I remember how devastating that ‘first death among my friends’ is. I was 21 years old, and to this day, I still repeat his name and pray for his soul. One recommendation for you, especially since you are an avid reader is the best seller “Proof of Heaven”. The author is a doctor, and his name may be “A. Alexander”….something like that. I hope it gives you comfort and it may also do the same for the young widow.
Thank you Gem, I appreciate your constant love and support. The next couple of days will be hard, but much worse for my friend and her girls. God be with them. I will look into this book. It does sound comforting.. Love you guys,
Suz♥
I am so sorry to hear this. I recently lost a dear friend to suicide. the grieving is so hard. BIG HUGS.
Thank you Kyla 🙂 Wow, suicide though, that is a tough one. Hugs right back to you <3
Suz
I am so sorry for your loss – my father died at 47 and his death was a wake up call to many of his friends – a call to change their lifestyles
Thank you Ashley. That must have been terribly hard to deal with. 47 is way too young..
Suz
So sorry Suz. It’s incredibly sad when death comes so close to you and it makes you question everything. Hugs.
It gives life a hurry up kind of quality that is not pleasant at all 🙁 Thank you Paula..
I am so sorry for your loss. It can be devastating at any time of year but the holidays just makes it worse. I loved your post. I too am entering that era when friends are passing. I have been fortunate that none have been close friends but people in my circle of acquaintances.
Thank you Margarita, I appreciate your kind words…
I’m so sorry to hear. Cancer sucks. My Dad had prostate cancer, and had to go through radiation therapy. I drove him to the hospital every week for his appointments.
Thank you Craig. It is great your dad had you to lean on..
I’m sooooo very sorry for your loss Suz!
My uncle died suddenly three years ago from Cancer, no one… not even him.. knew he had it. He was also very young. Live every day to the fullest!
I am so sorry Christine, that is just very sad 🙁 You are so right though..live life!
I’ve almost died 3 times and I don’t mean from something little because every time the doctor has said to me “that it’s a miracle I’m still alive” You never know when you’re going to go, so sit back and enjoy the ride !