Death of a friend

5/8/07

I apologize that my writing has slowed to a trickle.  I've been wanting to write about the most inspirational book I have read in a long time.  same kind of different as me is about as poignant a true story can get.  About life, faith, poverty and riches; screwing up, hitting bottom and being renewed in the oddest places with the most unlikely of friendships.  It's highly worth your time.

I hope to reflect upon this book and what it means to me but today I am still somewhat numb and in shock about news we received Thursday night.  One of my closest, dearest and oldest friends who lives in New Port was in a terrible car crash last week.  She survived but her younger brother did not.  It was a hit and run in San Jose, Ca.  They were only 10 minutes from their destination in San Francisco to be with their youngest sister who had just lost her 3 month old baby ( when the car crash occurred).  2 deaths in one precious family less than 24 hours apart.  Man, how I Hate writing those words.

I go to one funeral on Thursday.  I think most of Southern Ca. Christendom who knows this family has heard of the immense tradgedy that has struck them, but I still wait to use their names without their permission.  This family has meant  A LOT to me throughout the years.  Helped raise me in the Christian Faith. They are God's light and salt in this world.  And each one of them have been so to me as well. We were all together in December celebrating my girlfriend's 40th.

I don't want to go to the funeral.  I don't want to face this thing, admit it is true.  I could do that, avoid it, being it is far enough away relationally for me.  But, I will go to be there for my friend and her mother.  For her brother's wife and their 3 children.  I will go and gather and stand in solidarity and unity with hundrends of other's who have been touched by this family.  I will cry.  I will weep.  For them, for me.  For their barreness and for my own.  For the times we feel so lost and wonder what happened?? Why.  Why God?  I will listen to Hymns, "Amazing Grace" and maybe get out a note or two.  I will hear Scripture and how nothing can separate us from the love of God, not death or life.  And remember God's other promises as well.  I will smile when I think of where that sweet baby and her uncle are  together, but not be ready to "celebrate" as I look upon the other 3 young children and pregnant wife left behind.  Oh God, sustain them.  At times, your ways seem too much for me.  The weight of grief, crushing.

May all of us affected by this be able to cry out as the Psalmist has.  True and forceful.  And may we be met by the one true Comforter who is NO stranger to suffering.

Amen

I will miss you sweet brother and I will see you on the other side.  You have lived well...

Comments

[Kim Campbell]

Hi Patti, I'm an SCPC member, but have never met you. What a shame, because I am enjoying getting to know you through your blog.
I am terribly sorry for all of the loss you are experiencing right now. May the peace of Christ be with you.
And I am in tears over your "More Grace" entry. So beautiful. Thanks for your thoughts and writings. Hope to offically meet you sometime soon. Be well!