Friday, October 26, 2007

Grieving

I had a friend die suddenly last week.

She was funny, beautiful, loyal and everyone gravitated to her. Her work ethic was superb, and although an amazingly strong Christian - she never once alienated people with it, or made out that she was 'better' than anyone else because of it. She was someone I admired, looked up to, and hoped to be like when I was in that stage of life (she was in her mid-40s).

I think it hit me so hard for a number of reasons. The main one was she got married early this year, to a man that supported her in everything, and completely adored her. To die so quickly after marriage - I couldn't help thinking how unfair that is, when everything just seems to be finally working out for someone.

I am thankful, however, that my last memories of her are beautiful ones. Sitting watching DVDs over night duty, laughing our heads off at the stupid things we see and say each day at work - often the most mundane, trivial, bizarre things, that only medical personnel would find funny.

Her funeral was amazing. To get know 'the other side' of a person, and really see how much of an impact she had on everyone (and not just those at work), really blessed me. To see a Church family gather around itself and mourn, yet celebrate a life in Heaven at the same time - it really impacted me. I think it shocked a few people at work (not many were aware of her deep ties to her Christian faith); but to see such joy at the time of such grief - it really made me remember what I'm ultimately here on earth for.

But, I'm grieving. I don't understand why this happens, and to be honest - I've been a bit mad at God about it.

The thing is though - I think He gets that. I think He wants me to be real about these emotions to Him. I think He loves me even despite my 'I don't understand you' debates with Him this week. I think it makes my faith more 'real', having that opportunity to really 'slug it out' with God every so often. Hey - Jacob, David and Job did it, so I think it's expected.

But, I'm grieving. Someone's gone from my life, and left a rather exposed hole right now.

God bless you Bron. I'll see you soon.

3 comments:

Therese said...

I feel your pain Sasch and can identify with it all so much right now.
Hugs babe x

Naomi said...

Oh no... I'm so sorry darl, I didn't know. I wouldn't have been asking you for stuff if I'd realised :-(

She sounds awesome. And I get the whole mad at God thing. I'm sure he understands just fine. 'Bad things happen because of the Fall' is fine in theory and SUCKS BIG TIME in practice.

Jeni Robinson said...

Hi Sweetheart,
Understand your pain ... and your questioning ... and just like Job and David and Moses and everyone else in the Bible who had a hard time but still kept their faith intact, just take to heart that He cares for Bron, her hubby and you ... that He knew it was going to happen ... that He knew you'd react the way you are ... and that there's some things we'll never understand til we get to see Him ourselves. I'm so glad you had such lovely memories of your last times together, as well as wonderful memories of her memorial service. Love you heaps and heaps ... Mum xx