Bittersweet

I feel sick to my stomach. During my ten minute break at work I had to send another set of flowers. This is my fourth set this week. All have been for funerals. Four people dying within a week. In Africa or Iraq or many Third World Countries this would be nothing new. But I feel like someone's sitting on my chest.

Yesterday, I found out that one of the youth I used to work with (I was a Youth Leader for 3 years for those who don't know) died in a car accident on Sunset Boulevard. He was a passenger, he was 20 years old, and he was the Pastor's son.

The other three deaths consisted of 2 fathers of friends and one younger brother. Only one was expected.

I wish I had something wise and wonderful to say right now but truly nothing seems appropriate. The standard response I get from people, "It just makes you realize you should tell people how much you love and appreciate them while you have time because you never know..." although true, it just doesn't seem to do justice to the magnitude of the lives lost and the answer seems to be too pat.

All I can do is to take in the shock, continue to try to move on, and take solace from the responses of the friends who have lost their loved ones.

Pete said they expected 200 people at his younger brother's funeral and over 500 showed up. The outpouring of love from his brother's community of friends and family was wonderful and gave a lot of comfort.

Sandy said that she got to meet family members that she'd never gotten to meet before and it was good.

There's a lot to be said for bittersweet.

Bittersweet, although never fun, tends to make up a majority of the little bits life we remember and cherish the most.

If there has to be bitter...let there be some sweet to go with it.