Dealing with Senseless Loss

Our little town, and most especially our church,

is dealing with the loss of one of the most promising

young men I have ever known.

Gone just like that -

on his 18th birthday.

We knew his parents and siblings well,

and we are grieving with them,

although I can not even begin to understand how they hurt.

So I've tried to keep busy while remembering

his smiling face,

his kindness,

his steady focus on his goals.

I went to the studio and made stamps

and then I scrounged around for scraps of fabric.

I just needed to make marks.

and then I rolled out the dough

for Molded Gingerbread Cookies

and I made them

It was a difficult day - 

trying to forget,

but wanting to remember.

trying to stay busy,

but wanting time to sit and reflect.

trying to be happy,

but so overcome by sadness.

there is no peace for us

when someone young is taken away.

.................................................