Nearly 5 years ago now a phone call brought my family to their knees. My childhood friend from so many years that he seemed more like family than friend - had been killed instantly in a motorcycle accident. Perhaps you might think that this was the life lesson - that life is precious and that life is valuable. But no. While that is completely true, something else rings in my ears as a reminder - today it struck me again.
It was after the funeral, we sat together with the family and friends gathered. Through the grief and elements that help people to move on, we were told the story of what had happened the morning we all lost a friend.
As many couples do, a small argument had lingered overnight about something that seemed very unimportant after all is said and done. In the early hours of dawn, the husband (our friend) went to say good-bye to his wife, who still lay in bed that morning, he leaned in to kiss her. In her stubborn state, as we wives can do oh-so-well, she rolled away from his touch and pointedly decided that her irritation would remain the center of focus. We'll never know what his thoughts were at that moment. And nothing more was ever said to each other. He walked outside, started his motorcycle and started off to work. Only a few blocks from home...an automobile pulled out in front of him in such a way that took his life instantly.
I don't even want to breathe as I write this. I want to hug and squeeze my husband and children. I want to say, please don't let anything stand in the way of your goodness as you leave each other.
Perhaps this life lesson is hard to hear. But it holds wisdom. And where wisdom goes, I want to follow.
(with heart)