Nothing can adequately prepare you for the death of a loved one. We go about our day with a common understanding that nothing is promised, but never stop to really think about what that entails. In an instant all that we love, all that we have grown to know can suddenly just not be around anymore as though it didn’t exist in the first place. We are left we a gaping hole in our hearts like an open wound that is destined to never heal. We won’t be the same. Ever.

It may not be a family member that leaves such a devastating impact on us, but rather a friend. At times those closest to us don’t realize the magnitude of that friendship, so they fail to recognize how it affects us. Some people can’t handle death at all and choose to avoid it all together. They don’t talk about it and they may not acknowledge it. Someone who impacted a life positively should always be recognized regardless of the circumstances.

It hurts. Tears will be shed in buckets from all around the world.

“Tears shed for another person are not a sign of weakness. They are a sign of a pure heart.” -Jose N. Harris

Looking at their picture is only a tormenting reminder that you will never see that person again. You are forever reminded of what was, but also what will never be.  Their once eyes full of life, full of hope for the future are now dark and distant. No life exists in them and they will forever sleep.

In the unfortunate event that we lose a loved one, it’s important to celebrate the memories. Celebrate them and the life they had lived. Celebrate their triumphs, their accomplishments and their feats. Let us not linger on the pain that we feel forever. That stabbing, can’t breathe kind of pain is temporary, and although the pain may always be there, we are comforted in knowing they are in a better place. Over time, that pain will ease. They will forever be sorely missed but never ever forgotten.

It’s difficult to comprehend why death happens so prematurely, and we may question why bad things happen to such good people. But in all fairness, it’s not our right to question it for God has a plan unbeknownst to us. We may not agree with the devastating circumstances at hand, but we have to accept them and know that their journey may have just begun. Trust in Him, for he knows what he is doing.

Trust in the Lord with all of you heart/and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him/and he will make your paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV))

Let us not be fearful of death or the unknown. Let us not wait for death to come to us, but rather live with a grateful heart, a faith in Him, and an overwhelming love for others.

We may have lost one of the good ones, but we will forever be impacted by the legacy they left behind.Let us rejoice in them despite their absence.

Godspeed, my friend, Godspeed.