There are so many joyful things in life—a laugh between friends that leaves you breathless is one of them. I can always count on my friend Sarah for one of those laughs. I am thankful she is part of my life. She’s a friend, but also part of our family.
Last week her dad died, suddenly and tragically, and way too soon. It’s heart wrenching to watch somebody you love having to face something so painful.
Our family stayed with Sarah and her parents last summer in Nova Scotia. Her father Gene, was a warm and funny man. I called him “Gampy Gene.” After laughing hysterically, Sarah corrected me. It was “Grampy.” I liked the sound of Gampy better, so I stuck with it. Gene didn’t seem to mind.
When my son heard that Gene had passed away, he was quiet. Then he said, “Gene showed me the deers in his yard. He’s the one who told me what ticks are. You hafta watch out for ticks.”
He asked, “Is Sarah sad? Did she cry?” It’s funny how kids gauge the gravity of a situation by how upset adults are and if tears are involved. “Yes. She did.” I told him.
I didn’t tell him that I did too. I cried for Sarah and for her two boys who were robbed of their Grampy. And for Val, who lost her husband and her best friend.
There are so many joyful things in life, but sometimes it’s hard to see that through the tears.
My heart goes out to you my dear friend. Please know that we are here for you. If you need a shoulder, somebody to listen or hopefully soon, someone to make you laugh one of those breathless laughs again.
xo
