Life is short…

Weekend before last, a gal that I think the world of lost her husband.  He was the type of man we all wish the world was full of – funny, adoring, impish, dedicated to his family… the list goes on and on.  When I learned he was killed, I was devastated.  The loss of such a wonderful person, especially when it often seems this world is already lacking in wonderful people, made me weep.  The thought of my friend losing her husband, they were crazy for one another, still acting like kids after 23 years of marriage, made me crumble and weep bitterly.  I weep for my friend because I cannot even begin to measure her loss.

Like all friends, immediately I offered to do anything.  Just let me know, and I’m there!  Wow, those words sounded so empty and hollow… echoing in my mind, because deep down, I knew the real truth.  There IS nothing you can do – unless you know how to bring back the lost, to take away the pain, your words are empty, your actions are wasted.

Thinking, I offered to make a slideshow for the service.  Because time was short, I received a number of forwarded emails with tiny 72dpi images. God Bless technology! :O)  While the images were tiny, I could upsize them.  It wasn’t amazing in clarity, but no one cared.  The important part was that for about ten minutes, I, and everyone in that church had Roger back amongst us, his smile warming our hearts, his antics making us laugh, the love for his family evident, and the family’s love for him obvious as well.

Today, barely a week later, I suffer the loss of another fine person.  One of the most beautiful women I’ve ever known.  She had this innate ability to calm people down and make them think clearly, the guts to tell you to shut up and mind your manners, point out what you were doing wrong w/o making you angry, make you feel like queen (or king) of the world, and make you laugh till you cry.  She was a rock.   She is also another statistic for Breast Cancer.   Marcia, may you see Roger and keep each other busy with your practical jokes, love of motorcycles, and quick wit.  You will be sorely missed my dear precious friend, the world will not be so bright without your smiling face and heart.

One of my friends is not dealing as well as others.  He is devastated.  He was able to see her the night before she passed, and was upset that he would remember her in her weakened state.  I told him “No, you’ll not do that… because that is not who she was.”  I asked him if he’d like a copy of a photograph I’d taken of her, and he was thrilled  at the prospect.

As I prepare the images, knowing metallic paper will suit this friend, B&W would suit that one, a sepia would be perfect for another.  My talents allow me to be not just a documentarian or recorder, but also a comforter.  In providing for my friends, I gain comfort of my own.

Life really is short, and you really should take every available opportunity to tell all in your life just how important they are, how much you appreciate and love them.