Disheartening Events

This past weeks events have proved some of the most emotional I have had in sometime. Needless to say I am back in the hospital for the 5th time in under 365 days. This in and of itself can be emotional but compared to the other things going on seems trivial.

My dear friend is dying...even writing these words makes my heart hurt. I am so saddened for her family, and saddened that I cant be there in some way. Im feeling awfully far from home. My friend has suffered from stage 4 breast cancer. For the past I believe 3 years. Chemo and radiation have been common place. I have spent many pleasurable hours with this amazing woman. The strength Laura has is a force to be reckoned with. If faith alone could have cured her, it would have been done.

The second emotional experience was hearing that another dear friends oldest brother passed away due to an aneurism in his brain, it was sudden and shocking. They were our neighbors all growing up and the one thing that has always stuck out in my mind about Nick was his kindness. I remember one morning after a long nightfall of snow, the snowplow came by, causing all the snow that had been previously shoveled to block the exit of our driveway. My mother was distraught. I believe she was trying to get us to school. Then without question or even asking for help Nick came and shoveled us out. It's amazing how such small acts of kindness can change a person for life. I was a mere 12 or 13 years old yet I can see these events so clearly as if they happened yesterday. I believe it was the first time I truly saw or at least remember what it meant to be "in the service of your fellow men". I've never, nor will I ever forget this young mans service.

As I contemplate both of these events and the lives they are leaving behind, spouse, children, I am so perplexed at how anything not of this earth can be more important than raising your own children. But as I truly ponder and try to seek solace I find the gratefulness that God is all knowing, He has a plan. We may not ever fully understand but for me it gives me great comfort to know that all is in His hands and His mercifulness. Without that knowledge I'm not sure I could cope. I will miss my friend. I'm sure there will be days where I reach for the phone to call her and realize again she's not there. I pray she knows of my love for her and her family and I pray Nicks family knows my love for them also. This is a rough world we live in, but there is still so much good and so many good people that I am lucky enough to know.

I apologize for my ramblings, I needed an outlet and blogger is it. Here is A scripture that often gives me comfort and peace
"And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen." Enos 1:27

I pray for my dear friends, their families and anyone who is dealing with loss right now. Remember, all is not lost. Our lord and Savior died that we might live.