When something unspeakable forces its way into your life, you realize how helpless you are. No matter what our plans, sometimes life throws us something that shifts our world, and there is nothing we can do about it.
In the past 5 months I have lost 6 very dear family members. most of whom were perfectly healthy weeks before their death. I've gotten to say goodbye to none of them. People we love can be taken from us at any time, so we have to cherish them.
Last night my Uncle Gerard passed away. Someone who started this week perfectly healthy will end it in heaven. He leaves behind his wife Debbie, and their 13 children. He was an incredibly hard worker who took care of his family the best way he knew how. When asked what he raised on his farm, his simple answer was "kids". He loved all his family. I remember celebrating milestones of my life with he and his enormous, loving family there to support me. He will be sorely missed.
If there is one thing that I believe with absolute certainty, it is that everything happens for a reason. It is so hard to see reason when something this terrible happens. From this day forward the lives of my aunt and cousins will never be the same. But, one day, they will be better. Their pain will eventually pass and all that will be left are sweet memories, memories Gerard spent his life making.
I believe it was John Lennon who said "Everything will be alright in the end. If it isn't alright, it isn't the end". Today is hard. It is full of tears and sorrow. But one day, today will be better. The only way I know how to deal with loss is to live this today for that today.
