I took this picture on an emotional evening. We were celebrating the life of a dear friend who we lost suddenly and unexpectedly a little over a year ago. This great guy was not only a great friend, he was family as well. On the night in the picture we were celebrating the person he was, celebrating all the memories we shared with him.
He is still so much a part of all of our lives, his memory will forever be a part of all of us. From his loving mother, and sisters who thought the world of him, to his brother who was also his best friend, to his niece and nephew who he adored, to each of the friends he made over the years. He was not only a brother-in-law to my daughter, he was also a dear friend of hers. Any time his name comes up there are a number of stories to be told and laughs about the good times had with him, he had so many that loved him.
His life was over long before any of us were ready for it to be. We have faith that he will be there to greet us when our lives come to an end. We don't know what the future holds for any of us but the loss we experienced when he passed has made me look at each day with a new perspective.
When Jay passed he was an organ donor. So his time in this world not only touched the lives of all his friends, family, and students. He changed the lives of four people who get the opportunity to hug their loved ones another day. The gift of his heart, lungs, liver and kidneys have given those that love the recipients another opportunity to make more memories with them. In so many ways, he lives on.
When someone you know loses a loved one, be it a friend or family member, please be patient with them. The grieving process is different for each of us. Some may close out others, at least at first, others need that ear to listen to the same stories over and over and a shoulder to cry many tears on. Reach out, remember the loved one that has passed and be patient and kind.
I know this family is surviving. In many ways they have begun their new normal life, but I know that not a day goes by that each of them doesn't think of him, miss him like crazy, and hurt in ways that some will never understand. Their new normal, sucks and shouldn't be the normal they have to live with.
I also have friends who are mourning the loss of their children from accidents, illness and suicide. All are equally heartbroken, and all are suffering the same loss, the same brokenness .
My love goes to all that are hurting, and my daily prayers include strength for those that have lost a child, a sibling, a spouse, a parent, or family member, and those that have lost close friends to have the strength to continue on another day and for them to have faith that we will all be reunited some day in Heaven where we will all share those memories, hugs and laughs again.
Please say a prayer for those that are hurting, and make sure to let those you love know that you do, none of us are guaranteed another opportunity to do so.
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