A little overwhelmed

I had every intention of doing a completely different post.  One of normality.  Just randomness of home and life.  That was up until about an hour ago when I received a text.

Last June I received devastating news regarding a friend of mine who has since moved away.  I won't go into details, but my dear friend experienced something so tragic.  Something you hope you never have to experience, and thankfully most of us never will.

Death of a sister...by the hand of another.

I have often found my thoughts drifting to my friend.  Left behind to pick up the pieces.  To wake up everyday and feel the loss.  To look in the eyes of her sisters children and just keep going.

Even now, I'm still stunned silent.  Speechless.  I still can't come to terms with the depth of this tragedy.

You see, I have sisters.  Two of them.  And I would give my right arm for either of them.  When I think of my friend I often feel guilt because of this.  I know she would give anything to have her sister back.  Anything.

The text I received tonight was to inform me that the trial had begun and a verdict was reached.

Guilty.

I read tonight that her family now can "breathe a little deeper."  I'm sure there is a great sense of relief.  Justice has been served.  But to receive this justice the family had to relive the nightmare all over again.  Young children having to testify against their father.  Can it get any worse than that?  They not only lost their mother, they now have no father.  It's tragic all around. 

And what are they left with?  I have no answers.  Just questions.  I can only pray that God will give them the strength to continue.  Comfort.  Love.  Unending Love.

I'm overwhelmed with thoughts.  My head is spinning with saddness.  Anger.  Relief.  Hope.  I get to sit here all snug in my home.  Loved ones tucked into bed.  Everyone healthy and well.  She doesn't have that luxury anymore.  Her security blanket ripped right out from under her.  Nothing will ever be the same.

So, tell me why.  Why is it that we get to keep on living our snug little lives when for others it feels like the whole world just stopped?

Visiting

Yesterday I had the great privelege to visit with my friend Bevy.  I wanted to talk to her about this beast.

You see, she is a talented and fabulous sewer.  I knew if anyone could help, Bevy could.  She was very helpful.  However, I still have a lot to learn about her.  (the sewing machine that is)

Well, as with any great friend our conversation soon drifted from the sewing machine to other more important and fun things.

I enjoyed my visit with her immensely.  It's always so nice to catch up with an old friend.  Well, she's not old, just long-standing.  During our conversation she referred to me as a "comfort food" sort of friend.  I chuckle at that still.  Some may not get this, but her sweet comment felt good.  It's exactly how I wish to be thought of.

She gave me a great gift.

This book is great.  I've only begun to mark my pages and already I see it's value.  What struck me right off the bat was this:  we are in a society of people who want to entertain guests, when what we really need to do is show our guests (and those we pass throughout the day) hospitality.  There is a big difference between the two and I am excited to delve ino the pages and really learn what those differences are.

I am not one who has guests in our home often.  I am very self-conscious and our home is on the smaller side.  But, it's a home none-the-less and it's beautiful ( I think) and God has truly blessed us with this home.  It just fits.  You know, like those old ratty sneakers that you throw on when you want to be comfortable.  That's home.  So, in practicing hospitality... would you like to come to our old ratty shoe for an evening of fun?

In this crazy, busy, ratrace life, I hope you find time to visit with a great friend such as I did.  Make some coffee, pull up a stool, put a movie on for the kids and just...talk.


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thank you Bevy for a great visit