When your partner dies before you, you are called a widow.
When your parents die before you, you are called an orphan.
There is no term for parents who lose a child. We are not supposed to outlive our children.
Death always leaves a hole for loved ones left behind, but the pain of losing a child before their time may be the most difficult pain for a parent to bear.
My parents lost their eldest when he was 22 years old. The grieving process lasted for many years, 36 years later the experience still weighs on their hearts.
My cousin and his wife lost a child on a camping trip while the boy was quite young. They mark time lines with sadness and wonder. The high school graduation he missed, proms he missed, his wedding, grandchildren he would have given them, etc.
Today a friend lost her young adult daughter. Complications of a minor surgery gone very wrong. She leaves behind 3 young children and a huge hole in the hearts of those who loved her.
Most of all, her mother who like most moms wears her kids’ problems on her sleeve and fights for them even when they don’t or can’t fight for themselves.
Today and all days, hold close those who are dear and don’t take the precious present for granted. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is not guaranteed. All we have is this moment.
Say a prayer for my friend and all parents who get those awful words; “I’m sorry, we did all that we could, but they are gone.”
My heart goes out to my friend and her family today. I barely knew the girl, yet I wept when hearing the news. No words can take away her pain, but she knows she is loved by many in this community.
Hold dear those that are around you now. For tomorrow may be too late to tell them how much you love them.
