Day 172 - Young life gone

You just never know what news can arise in a moments notice.  I was sweeping my floor today when I got a call from my cousin in Kansas.  She was calling to say her younger sister's son Devan had been killed in an auto accident.

My heart immediately sank and my brain became flooded with images, peoples faces, sounds and statements.  Rushing in were the similarities of this event and one of my own some sixteen years ago.

Devan was gone, 22 years old. (Paul was 21) Devan was in the Marines (Paul the Navy) and had been in a few years after briefly attending Hutchison Community College (Paul in a few years after briefly attending Johnson County Community College)  Devan is the oldest child and first born son for my cousin Kim (Paul was my oldest and first born son).  Devan died as a passenger in a car driven by another (Paul as well)  Both boys were organ donors.

I know the intense pain my cousin Kim is feeling and the numbness in her soul at such a horrific and tragic  loss.  The suddeness of it means no closure, no last good byes.  There are those things you wish you'd have said if you had only known.  All the future held for these young lives now gone in an instant.

Lord, I know the very life we live is not our own.  I know everything we experience is filtered through your hands and will ultimately work for good.  But in this moment of the intense pain it is hard to find You.  We have questions and know answers will not come.  Our only peace comes in being thankful for the life You gave us to birth, raise, love, and hold for whatever brief and fleeting moment.  Be with Kim and her family as they mourn and help the family to heal with hope.  Amen

So as I walk the path, thinking of where my lady I saw earlier could have gone, I am struck by an overwhelming since of loss.  She released her precious family to You and I have as well.  I know You have plans and purposes for each of us.  This journey for me is about not only healing 'broken' areas but finding purpose for all life brings.  I'm beginning to wonder if that lady existed.  Was she an angel?

I glanced up an could imagine the loved ones who are in heaven before us.  Just like you are watching over those of us alive in this world You are also speaking into the lives of those who are with You.  Then one grand and glorious day we will all be together and spend eternity in worshipful joy.