The news that I read today hurts me more than I could say. Though there are many friends that I no longer keep in touch with, Facebook has been a way that I can at least lurk on the lives of those that still mean so much to me. Two people who helped define my elementary and high school experiences are beginning a process of grieving that I hope I never have to understand. While I don’t want to post their story (that is for them to tell), I do want to say that God is already speaking through their hearts. Thinking about the loss that they have experienced, and knowing so very closely how going through that would destroy me has made me even more grateful for the time that I have with my son. I have already been inspired to know that the next couple of weeks of my life are to be cherished, rather than lamented. But, this latest news makes me understand and dedicate myself to this task even more so.

So, please, if you have a chance today and the next many many days, please lift up Lauren and Justin and their angel Andrew as they begin to dull an ache that I know will never completely heal.