Sunday, June 7, 2015

Circles

Two events I attended today. One was the wedding shower of a beautiful young woman about to embark on a new phase of life. Her life is not about to begin. She has lived a very productive life up until now. She is well-educated, has a good job literally saving lives and enjoys the company of family and good friends.  Her life has not been "on hold" up until this moment in time, yet, her life as a wife, as the other half of a couple is about to begin.  Her life is changing.

The second event was the memorial service for a wonderfully kind and sweet man. He was a husband, father, grandfather, son, uncle, brother, teacher, mentor, and friend.  His wife's life is not about to end, though she may have moments where she thinks it is. She asked me yesterday, "how do I go from being 'we' to being 'me?'  Her life as half of a couple has ended; at least on this earth it has ended. It ended much too soon. Her life has changed.

At the memorial service a picture of nineteen people was projected on the screen. Nineteen people bound together in love and family because a girl caught a boy's eye and he asked to walk with her across campus.  I wonder how many relationships will be created as a result of that other young couple's commitment to merging their lives for a portion of their earthly journey.  I hope they will be as wonderfully joyful and rewarding as for those nineteen. One woman is looking forward, one looks back.

Each woman is facing a new normal in this life. One with much joy and enthusiasm, brimming with great hope for a beautiful future. The other after 46 years of life creating memories, shared jokes, struggles, and triumphs, wondering how she will navigate alone.  Both step out into the unknown.

I do not know if these women have ever met. I do know that neither travels alone into these new worlds upon which they embark. They are both dearly loved, and there are many who stand with them to offer that which is needed. Today, I have prayed blessings on them both.

No comments:

Post a Comment