A Letter From Kate
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Dear Readers,
The old saying 'actions speak louder than words' has always been true, but never more so than during a time of grief. Like many people, I don't remember everything that was said during the time after a loved one's death, but I do remember the kind things that people did and the show of support.
When my dear friend Lori died several years ago, our small, but close group of friends reunited to support each other. It was the first time we'd all been together since our high-school reunion, but it was important for us to be together. It was difficult for the four of us to reunite without Lori, but we began to reminisce and talk about the good times we'd had together, and soon we were laughing. At first, I felt guilty, but I knew that Lori would have wanted us to enjoy ourselves.
A few years later, when my grandfather died, I again felt the support and love of the wonderful people in my life. Grandpa's death was rather unexpected, and my family and I were taken by surprise. All of my mother's family members came to the funeral, and I saw cousins whom I hadn't seen in many years. It was good to talk to them and know that even though we live far apart, we will always be connected.
My newly acquired family was there to show their support as well. I was moved to tears when I saw my mother- and father-in-law, along with my husband's grandmother at Grandpa's funeral. Although they'd met Grandpa only once, they wanted to pay their respects, and it meant a lot to me to know that they cared.
Love,
Kate Marchbanks
Together With God
It is so hard to know what to say when a friend is hurting. You offer support, you listen to their troubles, and you can even hold them as they grieve, but what do you say to make it better?
I like to remember the poem about the footsteps in the sand. When we are in crisis and at our lowest point in life, it helps to remember that God is carrying us and helping us get through the pain.
'Lord, You said that once I decided to follow You, You'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why when I needed You most You would leave me.'
The Lord replied, 'My precious, precious child, I love you and would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints in the sand, it was then that I carried you.'
Father, thank You for always being with us, even when our hearts are at their heaviest. Amen.
- D. Susan Rutz
Comforting words shared with others
When my husband, Charles, died May 2, 1997, one month after our 50th wedding anniversary, I was brokenhearted.
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