Monday, August 4, 2008

Heart-breaking

I posted last week about one of my fears as a parent. The drowning issue and the importance of watching your children while around water. Little did I know at the time that one of our church family would suffer this horrible kind of death. No, it wasn't a child. It was a mom. A young mom who leaves behind twin 5 y.o. boys. This family was in our community investing in an education for her husband. They are one of many international families who come here for an education and a chance at a better life whether they choose to stay in the U.S. or whether they choose to go back home.

This family had chosen to go back home to Korea. And they were scheduled to leave today. But, it wasn't meant to be. While enjoying the outdoors on Saturday, the mom drowned. The boys were at church yesterday as their father struggled to make plans and figure out how life would go on. My heart aches for them so. To have come this far and lived so far from your home and with the promise of home so close. What a tragedy. We never know when life will be taken from us. We have to make the most of every single day.

It's interesting that this post is today. 5 years ago today, I received a phone call that would forever change my life as well. My brother called early in the morning to let me know my dad had had a heart attack and was in bad shape. As we gathered N and packed for Dallas, I kept telling Lance over and over, "I'm too young to lose my dad, I can't do this." It was a hard day - the drs. couldn't wait his surgery on me - he had a triple bypass and all I could think was, if he doesn't make it, I never got a chance to say goodbye. Thankfully, he did make it and he continued to grow stronger. But, I will never again take the health of my parents or loved ones for granted again. It changed me.

A dear friend of mine, Susan, called me Saturday night and let me know about her dad. He has pancreatic cancer. This is one of the deadliest and quickest forms of cancer. He will be gone soon and Susan knows it, but her heart is breaking. She is the primary caretaker and will have most of the burden on her for his care. My heart aches for her. I listened as she cried on the phone Saturday night. I didn't know what to say or what to do. I could only listen.

Please pray for Esther's family in these days ahead. I can't imagine all that is going thru their hearts and minds. Pray for Susan and her family.
Love those around you and tell them.

6 comments:

circus of love said...

Prayed for those you mentioned.
So often the tragedies around us do help us focus on the important things and remind us to reach out to those in need and pray.

Anonymous said...

Hi, Jen:
I'm still here.

After all these years.

I'm one of those who didn't say goodbye. And paid for it. My dad. But...then again I wouldn't have come the way I've come if I had. And the anticipation of the coming reunion would not have been as sweet.

And Jen, you're coming led to my starting over with new habits - good habits - healthy habits. Thanks for being a part of that. I love you. Dad

Jenn said...

So tragic...you never expect any of these things. I will include them in my prayers.

Rebekah said...

How terrible! I'm giving my husband an extra hug tonight. Death can be so sudden...

Ladybug Fanatic/Monkey Tales said...

Life can be taken suddenly for reasons only God knows. Tragedy and death teaches us not to take life for granted and enjoy it to its fullest. Your friends are in my prayers.

Becky said...

Jen,
I am crying as I read this! My heart felt so heavy for this family! I am glad they have the support of your church!!
I'm sorry for your friend as well.
We don't know what another day brings. We just have faith in our Father to carry us no matter what!!