This has been a bad week in my world. A friend/acquaintance of mine died tragically on Saturday, and I've kind of been reeling from that all week. But what happened yesterday took my grief to a whole new level.
(Photo courtesy of Kathleen Souder.)
At 4:pm yesterday (Thursday) I received an e-mail from my oldest child’s school principal saying that a student who attends the school had died on Wednesday, and that the students had been in grief counseling all day. So when I got home, and had the initial discussion with my children, not only did this student pass away on Wednesday, the student took their own life. My oldest was very upset. He knew the child, and had spent most of the day at school crying. My youngest was not nearly as upset, but she did not know the child, and so I think that had something to do with her initial reaction.By bedtime, my oldest was better. He was still upset, but after talking with my husband, and myself, and with all of the counseling they received at school, he seemed to be dealing with it quite well ... considering that he is only 13, and all that he had been through yesterday.
But by bedtime, my youngest was worse. When I tried to put her to bed she was crying inconsolably. I just could not say anything to her that would reassure her that everything is going to be okay. Finally I brought her into my room and just held her.
What can I possibly say to my children, that could somehow make sense out of what has just happened, when I myself don’t even understand it. They are scared, and sad, and confused and I have no earthly idea what to say to them other than ... I love you ... God loves you ... everything is going to be okay.
There aren't very many times in which I am at a loss for words, but this is one of them for sure. I think yesterday was one of the most difficult days I've had as a parent.
This to shall pass, but I just can’t shake this feeling today.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family, and to all who are grieving this loss. May this child's soul rest in peace.
Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Peace,
Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Peace,
I am in shock as well. It is so unexpected and difficult to cope with such loss.
ReplyDeleteLisa, my family has suffered through similar loss... my son, two of my younger cousins, and a younger step-brother all lost their lives in tragic circumstances and all within just a few year of each other.
I find peace in knowing that I have memories to cherish and that they will always be with me.
Peace to you and your family at this trying time.
Darren
Thank you so much Darren. I think this week has been my most difficult week as a parent. It's so difficult to reassure your kids that everything will be okay, when you're not exactly sure that everything WILL be okay. I'm so thankful to have such well grounded children, who seem to be coping with this all quite well, all things considered. I just can't seem to tell them I love them enough. :) Thank you again!
ReplyDeletePeace,
Bridget
As the father of a 12-year-old girl I can only say that this sucks on so many levels....
ReplyDelete