A dear friend's father passed away on Monday. While he had been sick for some time, his death wasn't expected so soon. Regardless of the circumstance, death is never easy for those left behind.
Tonight EQ and I attended the first evening of the family's wake. I'm always nervous at such gatherings, especially when I don't know the extended family. But I'm also a firm believer in sharing my love and light in dark moments like this. My fears and needs are insignificant in comparison. It's my job as a friend (or family member) to bring extra energy to those in need at times like this.
Fortunately as we entered the room my friend and her husband were easily found. We immediately made our way to them and shared our condolences. This, regrettably, was the first meeting between my friends and EQ. Unfortunate circumstances, but sometimes life throws curve balls at you.
They were surprised to see us and after our exchange of words of sympathy and hugs, I, in turn, was surprised given that we were in a funeral home at my friend's father wake.
My girlfriend stepped back and then gave EQ a thorough one-over. With a raised eyebrow and a twinkle of mischief she commented on his "adorable dimple". I followed along and asked which one was out? The evil one or the good one? And she laughed.
She laughed.
She continued her inspection and then noted EQ's cleft chin. She proceeded to call him adorable again and that he "was too much to take in all at once." All the while a laugh in her voice. And then she let out a big hearty laugh.
A moment of brightness in a very dark time. Beautiful. Simple.
Moments consoling a friend, worth every ounce of nervousness.
Moments of shared pain, peppered with healing laughter.
Tonight EQ and I attended the first evening of the family's wake. I'm always nervous at such gatherings, especially when I don't know the extended family. But I'm also a firm believer in sharing my love and light in dark moments like this. My fears and needs are insignificant in comparison. It's my job as a friend (or family member) to bring extra energy to those in need at times like this.
Fortunately as we entered the room my friend and her husband were easily found. We immediately made our way to them and shared our condolences. This, regrettably, was the first meeting between my friends and EQ. Unfortunate circumstances, but sometimes life throws curve balls at you.
They were surprised to see us and after our exchange of words of sympathy and hugs, I, in turn, was surprised given that we were in a funeral home at my friend's father wake.
My girlfriend stepped back and then gave EQ a thorough one-over. With a raised eyebrow and a twinkle of mischief she commented on his "adorable dimple". I followed along and asked which one was out? The evil one or the good one? And she laughed.
She laughed.
She continued her inspection and then noted EQ's cleft chin. She proceeded to call him adorable again and that he "was too much to take in all at once." All the while a laugh in her voice. And then she let out a big hearty laugh.
A moment of brightness in a very dark time. Beautiful. Simple.
Moments consoling a friend, worth every ounce of nervousness.
Moments of shared pain, peppered with healing laughter.
No comments:
Post a Comment