« Tiger Dog | Main | Garden Update! »
April 19, 2009
No Words
Life can change so quickly. I had a huge reminder of that this weekend as I went back to my hometown to attend the funeral of the father one of my best high school friends. Branden's dad was killed last Wednesday when he accidentally fell beneath the wheels of a construction trailer, working on a highway construction project north of Springfield.
Lance was such a good guy. He was so patient with his kids (and their friends!) when they were growing up. Even though he looked the part of a gruff construction worker, he was sweetest Grandpa that anyone could ever want to his 5 grandkids.
When I heard that he had passed away, I was completely shocked. I can't think of anyone else I knew that well who had died in such a sudden, tragic way. Of course it's always terrible when loved ones die, but to have it be so completely unexpected really struck me.
I simply can not fathom what it is like to lose a parent, and I have been breaking into tears every time I think about what Branden and his sister are going through right now. I can't even begin to comprehend how Branden's mom is holding up. Luckily her kids are with her (Branden flew home from his military service in Afghanistan) and her sister and brother live nearby.
There really is no way for me to express the sadness that was in that room during the funeral on Saturday, but I do know that Branden's family has the comfort of knowing that Lance was a strong Christan man. I loved the pastor's description of Lance as Jesus' crane operator, helping Him build a place for the rest of the family in heaven.
Regardless of your beliefs, or whether you know this family, this is a reminder that life can change in an instant. Hug your kids. Call your dad and tell him you love him. Spend time with your closest friends. This is what life is really about.
Posted by zarah at April 19, 2009 7:29 PM
Comments
A very sweet tribute to your friend's Dad!!
Posted by: Mom at April 20, 2009 9:14 PM
Post a comment
