I light this candle . . . .

When I visited my mom recently, we were able to attend a Memorial Service that was done by the hospice organization that took care of my mom and dad as my dad was dying. What a blessing they were to our whole family. Being so far away, it was a comfort to know that there were people there for them, that knew how to deal with the last days of life, comforting not only my dad, but my mom as well. It was an extremely stressful few weeks, and at times I wasn't sure how my mom would get through it, but she did, with hospice help. They even are there for her now, in the first year after his passing, to assist her with the transition and challenges of this huge life change. She is managing well and I am so grateful. 

Loss comes is so many forms, death of an older person, death of a promise of life and so many other types of death. There is also loss in dealing with an illness, an accident, abuse, any type of loss that falls short of our expectations. Some can be very shocking and sudden, other's are painfully slow and hard to watch. Loss is the result of life, and will never be easy to take in. I have seen people do it with grace and have seen it break people down. There is no formula to follow in dealing with this inevitable part of life.  I rest in HIS promise, I know there is far more beyond this place we reside for a time, I know that all will be well, regardless of how we cope. When there is great loss, I step WAY back and know that I, and all those around me, are in the Palm of HIS hand. A comfort, to sit in HIS presence and take in HIS peace.