Loss...

People lose things every day.

Some of these losses are really insignificant... a receipt, a paper, a few dollars; maybe some directions, or a phone number...  Some are more significant... like keys, an important document, cellphones...  But, some are most significant, and cause us to take pause.

The loss of a family member, a pet, a friend...

Most adults realize that death is inevitable, yet we seem to push it off.  Grandparents should leave us before parents, parents before children, children before grandchildren... but life is unpredictable.  Yet regardless of the order, it is always hard.

I have experienced many deaths in my life.  I have had many losses in my life; family, friends, pets... and even patients I have cared for.  I have witnessed some of them, others I have been informed of.  And in each and every time, I have always paused.  I have taken a moment to reflect, to remember, to pray, and even cry.  It never get's easier. 

As an ED Nurse, I still do this when a patient dies.  I take a break, walk away from it, maybe go for a walk outside, maybe call someone to talk about it and decompress... I need a reset, a reboot so to speak... because it will start all over when I get back. 

A friend recently experienced a loss.  I was very sad, as I had met and knew this individual... I cried.

As I mourn this loss, I reflect on my own situation and know another loss is looming in my own family.  There is no way to adequately prepare...  even with all of the faith you have, it still seems to be a shock when it happens, and painful...

Please know that I am thinking about you and him.  And please know that I cried... I can't comfort you directly, but through my words and this memorial... He will live forever in not only your memories, but those of others!

Please, may Peace be upon you!