This morning, I took my favorite Pink mug out to the patio and looked toward the back of our yard.
I was hoping, that by enjoying my coffee in the early morning, outdoors, I would be able to find some peace.
My heart is aching an ache that hasn't stopped since Wednesday afternoon. Even the mess that COMCAST has left in our back yard since October (see circled and exposed wires....and draping cable along our fence!) didn't cause me irritation (much).
My thoughts are of a young husband who lost his wife two days ago . . and their four beautiful children who no longer have a mother.
The couple and their children are friends with my son and his family and my husband and I had been around her and the children on a number of occasions. . . birthday parties, church events, etc.. Over the course of the year that we came to know them, she had been fighting a health battle. A recent surgery seemed promising to help her live a better life, but sadly, and unexpectedly, she died on Wednesday afternoon.As I sat at the table this morning, thinking thoughts of that young family, I was suddenly aware that the lady who lives in the home behind us had lost her husband a few months ago, after fighting a hard fight against cancer. I don't know that family at all, but they were in their 50s, I think, and their children are grown. They had grandchildren, too. How lucky, I thought that he had lived long enough to see his kids grow up and to experience the joys of his grands. Recently, I came out onto my patio and saw that a great piece of play equipment had been erected in their backyard...for those little grands to enjoy.
My heart and stomach are in turmoil over the death of Kelly. I know she is no longer suffering, but her absence will have such an impact on the future well-being of her little children and, of course, her husband.
While feeling so helpless at this time, I thought one small thing I could do would be to light a candle in honor of Kelly and to ask. . . .
you readers to take a moment to offer a prayer for her,
her husband and her four children.
I'm convinced she will be there with them in spirit, because she was a very faith filled person.
I am still shaking my head as I compose this post. I don't understand why those little children no longer have their mom. . . or that husband doesn't have his wife. I just have to have faith that they will be OK because God will be with them on this new journey of theirs. . .
and I KNOW that Kelly will surround them with her deep love. . . . forever and ever.
DANA
I totally understand. I said to my husband yesterday, why do the good have to die so young? I just don't get it sometimes, but then I am not God. They had a 4 hour tribute for the radio host today. It was so hard to hear him laughing again....I hope they redo it after some time has passed. I think then it would be nice to hear.
My saying: Life is hard, but wonderful!
Posted by: Ceekay | June 04, 2010 at 05:59 PM
Oh Dana, I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Yes life is hard...when I see my mom who is ready to go, and then someone who is so young with children die so sad...take care...Pat
Posted by: Pat H | June 04, 2010 at 08:01 PM
I'm so sorry to hear that a young mother and friend of your family has passed so unexpectedly. My heart goes out to the family.
Hugs & Prayer,
Angela
Posted by: Angela | June 04, 2010 at 08:45 PM
Hi Dana, how very sad to lose a young mother. My heart breaks for the husband and children. My prayers go out to them in deep concern. My niece passed away when she was 27 leaving three small children and a husband who was devastated for years. Her name was Joy and she was loved by everyone who knew her. I adored her and will never get over her loss. I know Kelly's loss will be very hard on that family. I can tell you Joy's children mourned the loss of their mother to this day. This sad news honestly breaks my heart.
I'm glad you shared this story though because this family needs all of the prayers they can get.
My heart goes out to them with love and Prayers.
Love, Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne | June 04, 2010 at 08:55 PM
Thanks, MIL. That was simply beautiful. I'm posting this on her facebook page so those who loved her can read this.
Love you,
DIL
Posted by: DIL | June 04, 2010 at 09:45 PM
That's so sad. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. My prayers are with you and her family.
Posted by: fiberdoodles | June 04, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Peace be to Kelly and I send comfort to you as I know that today your heart is heavy with sadness.
I am a cancer survivor not once but twice and I believe in the power of prayer. I hold this young grieving family in my prayers. bless you for posting this heartfelt post.
Posted by: naturegirl | June 05, 2010 at 04:40 AM
Wonderful Eulogy of Kelly, and her beloved family. Breaks my heart totally! Life is Good, pain, joy, celebration! Its all part of our journey, thanks for sharing, it is such a honor to lift others up in prayer. I will have a much different outlook on my life today.
Posted by: Carrie | June 05, 2010 at 05:07 AM
Happy Pink Saturday!
Well, I lost my Mom when I was a girl and two weeks ago lost my Dad...
I am also grieving...
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela | June 05, 2010 at 05:11 AM
Beautiful love filled blog. My prayers will be with this family. May they have peace beyond understanding. Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | June 05, 2010 at 05:26 AM
Dana, this breaks my heart. And, it immediately brought Jeanne's niece, Joy, to my mind. That still breaks my heart to this day. I will definitely keep this family in my prayers.
And, I send you Pink Saturday hugs and love.
Posted by: Beverly | June 05, 2010 at 06:03 AM
Such beautiful,loving thoughts,such deep sympathy.
Ohhh dear Dana, I know your heart is breaking for that young family..this just breaks my heart. I know there is little I can do..but I can pray for the hurt to be lifted from your heart and for God to replace it with blessed peace. I will light a candle for Kelly now..and her young family... and I will light one for you as well. Surely God in His Grace and Goodness will help to heal your hearts and light the way.
Blessings and love for all,
xoxoxoxoxox CC
Posted by: CC | June 05, 2010 at 06:37 AM
Thank you so much for your words. Kelly was a life long friend, my childhood best friend. She will be missed terribly. Thank you for your prayers for her family. God Bless You ♥
Posted by: Laura | June 05, 2010 at 06:45 AM
Dana,
My heart is breaking right now. I promise to say prayers for everyone involved that the pain might not be so great as time passes. I am so sorry to hear this sad news.
Cathy
Posted by: Cathy | June 05, 2010 at 07:47 AM
Dana ~ Such a beautiful and heart felt post. I will keep the family in my prayers. Life is so hard to understand at times : (
Posted by: caren | June 05, 2010 at 08:25 AM
Mom, that was so touching! It brought tears to my eyes. i love you
Posted by: Bridget Smith | June 05, 2010 at 09:24 AM
I did, just that, took time out to pray for the widow and the widower, the children and grands, and you. Sometimes, those burdens are just hard to bear. Don't make sense. Make us wonder. We, on this side of things, don't always understand, but God knows and can and will work things to His glory - and that works changes in us ... when and where we need them. In the meantime, it's just plain hard to grasp. One reason He tells us to cast our anxieties, cares, burdens on Him. He can handle it.
On the other side of Pink Saturday -thanks for stopping by and I look forward to seeing your donkey planter some day! Take care ... Jenn
Posted by: Jenn Raley | June 05, 2010 at 09:39 AM
lovely pink mug.
Sorry for your loss in the circle of friends and family.
Peace, love, and fun be with you.
Posted by: Jingle | June 05, 2010 at 09:46 AM
This brought tears to my eyes. Life is certainly not fair for everyone is it and we question God as to why and he keeps silent about it while we try and deal with our grief. All we can do is more forward.
Take Care
Nan
Posted by: Nancy Jane York | June 05, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Good Morning Dana Sweetie...
What a beautiful tribute to this beautiful woman, daughter, wife, and beautiful mother named Kelley.
God Bless her family as they go through this trying time in their lives. With the love in this family I know that her husband will make sure that each of these children remember her every day of their lives.
Our days are numbered from the moment that we come into this world, some of us short numbered, some of us longer. Kelley gave her family (4) children to carry on her legacy and many years of love for her husband to have and hold forever.
You are so lucky, along with your DIL to have known this beautiful woman and that your lives were so touched in love by her. I will be praying not only for her family during this difficult time, but you sweet Dana and your DIL as well. May God touch each of your lives and comfort you in this time of need.
I too will light a candle for prayer for you all today. I am sending many hugs sweetie and much love, Sherry
Posted by: Sherry | June 05, 2010 at 11:19 AM
I'm sorry to hear about your friend.
I'll be thinking good thoughts for all of you.
Posted by: Maggie | June 05, 2010 at 07:46 PM
I'm so sorry for this family, Dana. It's only from the help of friends (like you) that makes it possible to get through it. I know they have a hard road ahead of them - I will keep you all in my prayers. xoxo Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | June 06, 2010 at 07:00 AM
Heaven must have gained some fine people last week. A dear lady that we all referred to as "Aunt cat" entered Heaven's door on Tuesday. They will be fine. We'll all say a few prayers for their loved ones and a few for ourselves as we move forward in this world without them.
Posted by: Joan @ Applejack Lane | June 06, 2010 at 12:18 PM
Dana,
I can feel your pain - it is as if I were sitting at your table with you and you were telling me about Kelly and her family and the lady who lives behind you! Yet, we remind ourselves that Kelly was a faithfilled person and her family knows that she is waiting joyfully for them also. Thanks for a beautiful Pink Saturday, Dana.
Love and Hugs,
Jean
Posted by: Jean | June 06, 2010 at 08:36 PM
Oh my Dana, I'm so sorry to hear of this young family losing their wife and mother. These things are so hard to understand, at least in this life. I will definitely be praying for this young husband and precious children. Thank you so much for the cry of your heart with us. ♥
Posted by: Betty Jo | June 07, 2010 at 04:39 PM
Hi Dana, thanks for your comment. I am sending you an E mail.
Love, Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne | June 07, 2010 at 10:04 PM
I'm still working my way through PS posts. I'm glad I found yours. It is terrific!
Posted by: pat | June 08, 2010 at 04:22 PM