A Sad Day

One of our friends passed away unexpectedly yesterday and tears flowed all over the park. We care for each other here and no passing goes unnoticed.

The widow was understandably beside herself with grief but was surrounded by caring friends from the beginning. We sheltered her as best we could, giving her a shoulder to cry on. One lady notified their relatives at home and then contacted the insurance company who would make travel arrangements to take the deceased and his wife back home to Canada.

I watched in admiration as the widow took control of herself over the span of a few hours and gained inner strength to carry her through the ordeal still to come. This couple had been married for 54 years, had 4 children, and were fortunate enough to keep their marriage a happy one. It will be very difficult for this lady to be on her own without her precious spouse beside her...but she will survive. She will be strong for her children and her grandchildren. She will be strong because she has to be.

There were brief moments yesterday when she even laughed a bit, remembering the good times they'd had over the years. We let her talk at length about their life together because that will help her heal. Occasionally a tear would fall but she'd drag herself right back to the task at hand...getting through it. Her daughter flew in last night so now we who are just friends can take a step back and let mother and daughter gain strength from each other. This is all part of the healing process and there are still miles to go.