Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Tragedy at a distance

It seems to be coming in waves lately.

Week before last, I learned that a dear friend from high school had just lost her husband. Apparently, he went into the hospital for heart surgery and had such severe complications that he never came home again. In her own words, he was her soulmate. I can only imagine her heartache and grief. I offer to "be there" for her, but from this distance it's difficult. Still, I try and want to do more.

This morning, I get an email from another dear friend, letting me know that another friend's son has died. She sent me his wife's blog and it's just too heart-wrenching to read. He was in Iraq and had to undergo an appendectomy. He collapsed while on the webcam with his wife and little daughter. How agonizing is that? She couldn't see what was happening, but heard people calling for help and someone counting like they do for CPR. Someone tells her he's not okay, and twelve hours later, two men in uniform are on her doorstep.

Can you even imagine that kind of devastation? I just can't.

His mother is a good friend of mine. His aunt is a good friend, too. My heart is breaking for my friends in Texas, and I'm too far to put my arms around them and let them cry.

In my business, we bridge distance with technology. Sometimes, it's still insufficient, and it's frustrating me.

11 comments:

Jen - Queen of Poo said...

So sorry for both of your friends! It is hard when you want to take away or at least ease someone's suffering and you can't. Only time can do that.

e jerry said...

????
Wow.

Walker said...

It's never easy to deal with death. I am sorry for the loss your friends are going through.

Glitterstim said...

Jen -- you're right. I just wish I was there for them. I don't like feeling helpless, and that's how I feel....

Jerry -- I'll drop you a line from work and tell you names!

Walker -- You're very right. Never easy!

Thank you, everyone!
BJ

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

Oh owie...how your heart must be hurting for them. Losing a beloved spouse or child isn't something you ever recover from. Time might dull the pain, but it never goes away completely. I hope your friends are able to feel your love and support of them even from a distance.

Ronjazz said...

My dear, there are always times when we need to lean on others to get through it all. My shoulders are big, if you ever need them...:)

muse said...

So sorry for the ache you have in your heart. I hope that my thoughts of comfort and peace will find you. Personal loss is an old acquaintance of mine.

MamaGeek @ Works For Us said...

I totally feel ya sister. I have similar events happening in my life and I *hope* time will heal. Best thoughts, your way.

Glitterstim said...

Kimberly - I hope they are able to, also. They sound so numb on the phone. They're still in shock, I think.

Ron -- You're so sweet to me! Thank you!

Muse -- I'm sorry that you're so well-acquainted with this feeling of loss. And yes, knowing you all are out there, sending comfort and peace, helps a lot.

MamaGeek -- Oh no! I'm sorry you're having a hard time, too!

Thank you, so much!
:o) BJ

Fire Byrd said...

That's a tough call all round. There is nothing like death for making the people alive feel useless.

Glitterstim said...

That's a good way to put it, Byrd. I hate feeling helpless, but that's how it's been.

Thanks!
BJ