Death's Heartache

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. ~From a headstone in Ireland

I went to a funeral for a mother of a colleague today. I knew the mom well, as she was Deaf and her husband a member of one of the largest Deaf clans in the city. She was only 66 years old. She leaves behind two children, two grandchildren and two siblings. The funeral home was overflowing, even the priest commented on how an earlier service only had half of one room filled and this had both rooms maximized.

I am not sure what was going on for me today, but I found I could not focus during the reception. I just wanted out. In the reception line, I was behind a friend who had lost a pet recently and I could see her really struggling. I wanted to reach out and hug her but I did not think she could bear it. She smiled at me and then silently slipped out the door.

Death is never easy. This woman fought a short battle and apparently never once was filled with self-pity. Another woman from my church, in her 80’s, has been given a terminal diagnosis and she is really struggling. Death is never really a welcome visitor.

One can only hope that eventually the memories are less heartbreaking and more life giving.

Peace,

Suzanne