Yesterday, I received a call from a dear old friend from high school. She and her husband had moved out of the LA area some years ago, but did come back for the reunion in June. It was fun seeing them and I was touched by this man's wonderful nature and kind manner. My friend called to tell me some bad news. Last month, her husband was struck by a hit-and-run driver. He died.
What can one say when you hear news like that? Unless you have been through a similar experience, how can you know what would help. "I'm so sorry" doesn't seem enough. Words can be so inadequate at times like this. All one can do is offer to help, to listen, and to put them in our hearts in meditation or prayer.
My friend told me that the day before this awful event; her husband had gone to the doctor. He told the doctor at the time that if he "died tomorrow, he would die a happy man". I guess that would comfort me in some way.
I know that it's impossible to avoid leaving this life in some fashion. And unless we are the first to go, we will all experience the loss of a loved one.
But the suddenness of this kind of loss does not let us prepare for the inevitable. And yet, for most of us, I guess we would like our passing to be quick. Never-the-less, my heart goes out to my friend. All I know is that she has a strong spirit and a beautiful heart, and that she will get though this somehow, someday.
I believe with all my heart that the most difficult experiences in this life are those which propel the greatest spiritual growth. And somehow and in someway, there is always a gift in every experience. But most people don't want to hear such things when they are still in the shock, pain, anger and grief one feels at such a time.
But once again I am stuck with the thought that this moment is all we have. We never know what the next will bring. So I want to take this moment to live it and be in it. To value it. To feel gratitude and love. I hope you will do the same.