A Grief Endured

I revisited a post and poem dating back to March 2, 2012 and decided to create a video version:

Here’s the former post:

This morning I received another phone call informing me of another precious friend who has died. This is the fifth person in the last two weeks. From ages 19 to 82, each person has left behind loved ones whose grief knows no bounds. I wish I could alleviate some of the suffering these families are enduring. This post is my meager attempt to do so.

This morning I pray for these families to receive the grace to endure their losses. I also remember the story of two sisters, Martha and Mary, who grieved the death of their brother, Lazarus.

Jesus said to her [Mary], “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?” – John 11:25-26

This morning I confronted this question, once again, “Do you believe this?”

I say that I do until someone I love lies silent on a velvety cushion. Then in that moment, I face the inevitable reality I seek to distract myself from with all of the many activities crammed into my days:

All any of us are is a breath away from eternity.

This morning I weep with those who weep. I remember you who must endure this agonizing separation until you reunite with your loved ones in heaven. I join your whispers of “I believe.”