A few of you might remember a couple years back when I lost my nephew at two weeks old. I remember how heartbroken and helpless I felt.
Not being in control is not something I handle well. When my nephew passed there wasn't anything I could do to make the pain go away for my family - nothing that I could do that would really console my brother for his great loss. The funeral was truly awful. Baby funerals always are. The outpouring of support from family and friends, while impressive, was almost gruesome.
There were friends true and dear that supported us and eased our pain by sharing in the tragedy and opening their ears and hearts to us and simply listening. Last week, their grand baby passed - he was premature and after a week and a half, he went to heaven. It was horror all over again. The revisited tears of a mother and father who simply could not be comforted and grandparents and sisters that felt helpless in easing the pain.
The funeral was Friday, August 21. Same funeral Home. Same Procession. Same Graveyard. Literally next to my nephews grave.
I was ok - as ok as one can be at that sort of thing. The funeral was respectful and reverent. The procession was solemn. When we got to the grave site the first thing I saw was the teddy bear headstone that adorns my nephews final resting place. I was done.
I watched my dear friends suffer through the same pain they watched us suffer through and could only hope that I offered the same shoulder and support that they offered us. I though about how weird it was that their lost baby was laid to rest next to my family's baby.
The mother of the newly lost child came to me and said, "God must have had a plan to make you guys friends with my parents. To have our babies resting so close together, I know it's hard for you." To have her tell me how hard it must be for me was proof in her strength and will and showed how much she had grown from this tragedy. She comforted all of us in one simple statement. She eased our minds that she was at peace and without saying it reassured all of us that both babies were at peace.
Yes, I think God had a plan. I believe in something greater than us, not any specific thing, but I believe that there was a plan or a destiny that we were all suppose to be there for each other.
Later that evening she came to me again and said, "I'm going to have another baby... It's a girl I can feel her in my heart already." And there was that happy little girl I've known and watch grown up for years, standing in front of me, confiding in me, tested and true, strong in her faith and relationship with her husband. So peaceful.
Not really as easy as I thought it would be. I've been thinking all week about what photo or photos I want to post for today. Then the thought occurred to me, there are a few pictures that I've seen that have changed the way I see things and think about things and I want to share them with you. Sorry to be sad, but it is raining outside (again)
Shoes and Clothes from the Holocaust
Auschwitz suitcases from the victims brought to the concentration camp.
Piles of eyeglasses from victims. I've always wondered how many people suffered concidering that more people don't wear glasses than do - I wear glasses and I just find this photo haunting.
Prosthetic devices from Auschwitz - Need I say more?
The vulture is waiting for this poor child to die in Darfur... I remember reading the article the photographer wrote saying something to the effect that so many children are dying that this one couldn't be saved - Sort of like the starfish on the shore, it would have made a difference to this one.
I pulled up a picture of a dog that was victim to animal cruelty, but I couldn't bring myself to post it. As a pet lover I will never understand what people are thinking when they do this to their dogs. To me, these people are more than capable of committing murder and should be locked up - permanently. There is no excuse and there should be no pardon.
I'm sorry if the pictures I chose we too graphic, but they are supposed to be seen. To often people forget about the crimes of yesterday and overlook the crimes of today. What's going on in Darfur is another totally unacceptable crime. Instead of going to other countries for war, why didn't we go to enforce peace and help the helpless?
*sigh*
--Trina
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While I do enjoy beautiful, sunny summer days, I would like to say one thing - I sleep so much better in the winter.
I'm not sure if it's the early to rise, late to bed sunshine or the chirping birds (which I do enjoy when I'm not sleepy) But in the summer, I get limited rest. And yes, I am a slow morning waker - I envy people who can jump out of bed in the morning and just go!
Here is a cute video - Gosh I hope I don't ever sleep like this!
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