Oh, if it were not true...

Our Saturday morning changed in a minute when we got a phone call. Our dear friends from Kalamazoo MI, Pete's friends for at least 20 years, mine for 18 years, had received the police visit at 3 AM early Saturday morning. Their 24 year old daughter, just engaged on her birthday weeks earlier, had been struck and killed by a motorcyclist Friday night. Her fiancee was also killed.

As Sharon and I sobbed over the phone, we both knew that God had created our friendship, our really wonderful, crazy friendship those many years ago for this...two woman who have lost dearly beloved daughters to walk this hard journey together. Our husbands will have each other to lean on, trying to figure out what to do next to help their wife. How do you get over losing a stepdaughter, so much more like a daughter? Pete and I are only 18 months ahead of these two. For our friends entering the House of Mourning has just begun. It is the house you just want to burn down...but can't. Peace tonight, dear ones. We will be back in Kalamazoo on Wednesday to hold you up, to stand with you.

And tomorrow night I start for the first time as a small group leader at Grief Support for a Child Loss group. Nine parents, some probably numb from the newness of their loss, will be struggling to find meaning, to find some hope, some comfort. Use me, God. My hope comes only from you.