Tonight when I logged on Facebook to catch up on all the goings on, I saw multiple posts about a girl from my high school graduating class who died in a car accident today. Except when I saw the name, I didn't recognize it. I looked at pictures mutual friends were posting of themselves and this girl together, and I didn't even recognize her face as one I'd seen around the halls of my school. She was a complete stranger to me. And yet, here she was. Someone who I had maybe passed in the hall and definitely walked the stage and tossed my cap with. Now, I will only know her as another young life that is taken too soon.
Earlier in the day, my friends were commenting on the fact that our university's flag was at half-mast. When we searched for more information, we found out that two of our fellow students had passed away in a car wreck over the break. The half-mast flag was mourning the loss of these two young, bright individuals. I did not know them, even though I could have seen them on campus, waited in line behind them to get lunch, or sat next to them in the library. And now, they are gone.
I also signed a card today for a co-worker because his father recently passed away. I never met this co-worker's father, but the co-worker was a particular friend of mine, and I could hardly imagine the grief he was experiencing. I know that if I had lost my own father, I would be heartbroken and empty. I had never met this father, but I know he would have had to be a wonderful person to raise a son like my friend.
It's unrealistic to know everyone that is, in some way or another, connected to us through friends or schools. But the idea of someone passing away that you likely could have known but didn't is difficult to swallow.
To those who have passed on:
I know I never knew you, but my prayers go out to your family. I know that you will be missed, and I'm sorry that I never got the chance to meet you. I can tell that you were loved by so many, and so even if I am not one of the people who can attest to the greatness of your life, just know that it will be remembered.
My heart goes out to all those suffering through loss and heartache, and I pray that you may be comforted in this hard time.
Earlier in the day, my friends were commenting on the fact that our university's flag was at half-mast. When we searched for more information, we found out that two of our fellow students had passed away in a car wreck over the break. The half-mast flag was mourning the loss of these two young, bright individuals. I did not know them, even though I could have seen them on campus, waited in line behind them to get lunch, or sat next to them in the library. And now, they are gone.
I also signed a card today for a co-worker because his father recently passed away. I never met this co-worker's father, but the co-worker was a particular friend of mine, and I could hardly imagine the grief he was experiencing. I know that if I had lost my own father, I would be heartbroken and empty. I had never met this father, but I know he would have had to be a wonderful person to raise a son like my friend.
It's unrealistic to know everyone that is, in some way or another, connected to us through friends or schools. But the idea of someone passing away that you likely could have known but didn't is difficult to swallow.
To those who have passed on:
I know I never knew you, but my prayers go out to your family. I know that you will be missed, and I'm sorry that I never got the chance to meet you. I can tell that you were loved by so many, and so even if I am not one of the people who can attest to the greatness of your life, just know that it will be remembered.
My heart goes out to all those suffering through loss and heartache, and I pray that you may be comforted in this hard time.