I am sad today. Not for myself, but for a friend.
When I got to work today I found out that a friend's father had passed away yesterday evening. My friend's dad had major health issues, so his death was inevitable, but you always hope it won't be until later. As if somehow later it will be easier. But it never is. They did have the chance to say goodbye, but somehow that doesn't make the loss more bearable.
My heart literally aches as I think about how much is lost for my friend. His family is close, they love each other. I can't imagine the grief and pain they must be in. I know that there is little or nothing that I can say or do that will alieviate this terrible pain. It makes me feel small and puny to not be able to help my friend heal.
I have yet to experience the loss of a parent, and when it does happen I know it will not be the same or as bad a loss as my friend. I will survive my loss. I want them to survive their loss despite the greater impact his loss will be to them. I wish I could take my friend's pain and suffer it for them, rather than have to watch them go through this.
