At some point, there are people in your life that you've been friends with for so long, they stop being friends and are just considered family.Lori is one of those people to me. I have more memories of my childhood that include her than ones that do not. Elementary school, middle school, summer camp, the SH youth group, Cooper High school, first cars, first kisses, days in the pool, ACU...the list is endless. I still recall the exact moment that she introduced me to "Cody Paty"...
This friendship has come into clear focus this week. Lori's precious younger brother, Ben, passed away suddenly on Monday evening in Houston. The shock, sadness, and devastation are as raw as any emotions I have ever experienced. I have witnessed a family experience a loss so great, I wonder how they will ever go on.
I have so many good memories of Ben. He was a wonderful young man, a beautiful soul, that touched the lives of those he came in contact with. I grieve for a loss that I cannot begin to understand or explain. I grieve for a friend that will spend the rest of her life with the word "why" attached to her lips.
I struggle with how to be the kind of friend that Lori needs right now. I am thankful that the words, "I love you" communicate more than anything else I could possibly say.
I covet your prayers for this precious family.
Three Peas in a Pod
Contributors
- GPaty
- I am just a wife and mommy that does my best daily to love the Lord my God and instill Jesus in my babies' hearts.
4 comments:
Praying, Praying, and Praying. How devastating. If there is a way we could email Lori or send her cards or something, please let me know.
codyandash at gmail dot com
praying for their precious family.
Ginger,
I've checked in at Paty Place periodically since you were updating on Meredith. I have so enjoyed reading your posts, but tonight, your words break my heart.
Just a couple of weeks ago, on November 1, I recalled once again how my life was changed forever when my sister passed away very unexpectedly, ten years ago. I understand, that even with a faith in God that will not waver, the word "why" echoes through your mind for a very long time. It still does at times, even ten years later.
I remember one of my greatest needs at this time was a friend who was willing to just listen--even if it meant allowing me to re-live the horror, telling the same story over and over and over, as many times as it took, as I processed our loss and the shock slowly wore off. Words were not necessary--just a kind, compassionate, listening ear.
I will be praying for Lori and her family, as they learn to re-live life again, because it will never be the same. And I will be praying for you, for God to guide you as you love on Lori and be the listening ear she needs.
Blessings,
Karen
Heard some friends here in town talking about Ben, but I didn't know it was Lori's brother. My heart breaks for her. I will definitely be praying for her and Paul and for the Lord to use you to bring her comfort and support. I'm so thankful that Lori has someone in her life like you...I saw Lori Friday morning at Christmas Carousel. Never could have imagined how much her life would change that day...
Post a Comment