Easter: Day 30

Photo by Monty Carson

I didn't expect to have this conversation with my toddler daughter this morning:

Toddler: "Mommy, what's wrong?"

Me: "Remember when Else and Anna's mommy and daddy died on the boat and Else and Anna were sad? My friend died. Mommy's sad."

This was after I found out while perusing Facebook that a highschool friend died unexpectedly last night. She was married and a mom of two young boys.

I am crushed, even though I haven't seen her face-to-face in years. I am devastated, and she's not even my family. My heart aches for her husband and sons. And that's all I can say that makes any bit of sense. I see Easter all around, but Good Friday has returned with a mighty, forceful blow, knocking the wind out of me and all the people I know who knew her.

I invite you to join me in remembering Stephanie and her family in your prayers.

Meanwhile, I'll sing something we sang together in our highschool Women's Chorus:

The Lord bless you and keep you
The Lord make his face to shine upon you
and give you peace
and be gracious to you
The Lord be gracious unto you
Amen

---