Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Shadows

Our family trip to Acapulco was the first time our family has gathered all together since the February death of my husband's brother. My Father In Law scheduled this trip in the hopes that my BIL might make it.

In 2004 he was there with us, and so on this trip as we stood in the ocean and hid under the pool's waterfall we saw his shadow... the missing person. And although we missed him in our vacation paradise, we know that the paradise he is in now is far better than any palm tree lined resort.

******

Today The Big Guy and I attended the funeral of a man from our church who died very suddenly and unexpectedly last week from some sort of "cardiac event." The chapel was standing room only, and I imagine that he and I are not the only ones who are hugging a little longer tonight, and kissing our child a bit more tenderly.

19 comments:

JCK said...

Death definitely has you look through the lens a bit closer. So sorry for your losses.

Sarcasta-Mom said...

Loss and tragedy always makes us appriciate what we have so much more. Kiss that May Queen and hold her tight :)

Kat said...

Definitely puts things in clearer perspective.
I'm so sorry for your losses.

Kyla said...

I'm so sorry that your BIL couldn't be with you this year. Things like that always make the loss fresh again, I think.

Melissa said...

I agree with Kyla. Sometimes I'll make it whole days without thinking of them, and then something just rips the band aid off once again.

But that is a lovely picture and sentiment.

E said...

These sad deaths clarify our thinking and keep us focused on whatever matters best.
You guys do a good job of staying present and living with intention. You know how to be sad and keep living happy. And that is a blessing you give the rest of us too...

Jen said...

I'm so sorry for both of your losses, PM.

Beck said...

Beautiful and sad.

Cynthia said...

Sorry for you loss.

Gberger said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It is important & lovely that you honored his memory on your family trip.
Thank you for your comment. It's funny; I have always adored that song ("Perhaps Love"), but I didn't see it in the sentence I wrote. I have a crush on Placido Domingo, anyway. My opera singer friend works with him frequently, and when she introduced us to him 3years ago, it was difficult to act like a normal person (but I did)! He has such a heavenly voice. Have you ever heard his CD, "Sacred Songs?" There is a Kyrie on it that makes my knees weak!
God bless you.

Amy Y said...

I'm proud of you for seizing the opportunity to love a lil harder... and sorry, too, for your losses.

flutter said...

((you))

carrie said...

Yes, what flutter said. :)

Angela DeRossett said...

((HUGS)) to you...

Julie Pippert said...

Oh the shadow, the missing person. How keenly it must have been for all of you on this trip you wished he could have come on. At least there is some consolation. (hug)

Woman in a Window said...

Sobering, it is. Sorry for you guys.

Unknown said...

My best friend's dad just died, after a grueling fight with cancer. I am struggling with needing to be there with her ( even how geographically tough it would be)and admitting I am a total dunce about these things and would be in the way.
My confession? I have NEVER been to a funeral.

imbeingheldhostage said...

I'm there with you. beautiful post.

Jennifer said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of brother in law and of your friend. What a gorgeous, haunting photo to go with your thoughts.