This morning I found out that a friend, Joyce Morgan Riding, passed away. She had been battling cancer for two years. She leaves behind a nine month old baby, a loving husband, and all of us. I was not that close to her, but served on the LDS Seminary Council with her twin sister. I am inexplicably sad at her passing.
This is the third friend I have lost in the last five years. Georgia Marriott and Peter Moench are music friends that were taken from this earth much too early as well. And, over the summer, I lost my Grandpa, Richard Warner. I think about them a lot. Death is so difficult to understand. Where do we go exactly? Why are some spared? Can they see us on earth, mourning?
Paul and I have talked a lot about this subject. I am convinced that people who die are not "needed" in heaven as many say. I am more inclined to believe that bad things happen and Heavenly Father is there to help us through them. We lean on him and through a difficult time know him better. We may be angry, uncontrollably sad, or comforted, but he is there. Still, when someone passes on it leaves a hole. A little void where they once were. I'm not sure how to fill it or how to leave it empty.
what are your thoughts?
6 comments:
Lindsay I'm pretty sure Ashley would know exactly how you feel. Her husband's little sister and husband were just killed in a car accident. It's been hard for them. I haven't really had anyone too close to me die. But, I hate when young people die. Hate it!
Lindsay:
Thanks for blogging on this topic. I had no clue about Peter. I once knew him very well, but our lives went in different directions after high school. Unfortunately, we did not keep in touch.
I agree with you thoughts about death. I feel that our society has the propensity to turn a negative into a positive by saying that the deceased is "needed" in heaven. This is not necessarily a bad way of dealing with tragedy. I believe that bereavement is individualized, and because of that, I do not fault those who chose to cope this way. As Cicero stated “Suum Cuique.” However, I personally accept negatives for what they are and try to gain as much from them as I do the positives.
-Regan
I'm so sorry Linds. I had no idea! I had a best friend die in a car accident on her honeymoon 3 years ago and am just barely able to comprehend what happened! My opinion on death may not be that they are "needed" in heaven, but I sure do know that they are the lucky ones being taken off this earth. Even thought we might not be able to understand that now, but some day.
Love you!
Lizz
Oh Linds, I am so sorry. I think death is probably one of the hardest things to face in this life. I think there certainly is a big difference between the loss of someone so young and someone who has lived a long and fulfilling life.
At times it makes me scared for what might be coming or who I might lose. How grateful I do feel for the knowledge we have of the gospel and that we will see them again. Although, it certainly makes us sad and miss them while we are still here too.
I think of Grandpa often as well. How grateful I am for cousins like you that were made possible by his life!
Love you!
A friend from school just lost his sister this morning. Deaths seem to come in waves. It might be true in some cases that God has work in heaven for someone to do so he takes them away, but it only adds to the tragedy if we use that as our default response to comfort someone who has lost a loved one, instead of simply "mourning with those who mourn."
My brother Dave passed away last year on November 4th. As this date closes in, I have thought a lot about him and Joyce. I can assure you that Heavenly Father needs every one of us, some here on earth and some with Him. Dave's plan was set that he could only be with us for 29 years and now he is doing much needed work for my ancestors. This I know with my whole heart, mind and spirit. My parents are working overtime to get the necessary geneology work done knowing that Dave is working hard as a missionary. We still don't know what caused Dave's death accept for a problem with his heart. Even the Medical Examiner was at a loss for words or explanation. I know that is was simply his time and that he had another mission to fulfill. I hope this helps. Love, Alysha
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