A friend of mine died a few days ago; she was a teacher,
a mom, a wonderful person. She was the most recent of
umpteen friends I’ve lost over the years.
Most of these friends died
in combat or as a result of our inability to speak and
listen to each other. Each was unique
listen to each other. Each was unique
and special
in his/her own way.
I do not fear death. I understand it
and respect it,
for in my Christian thoughts,
death is the rite of passage
to Heaven. Yet, each death turns me into
an emotional wreck
with the feelings of sadness
and lost beyond belief ― especially
when my friends’ departures are sudden
or unexpected. The abrupt impact
of their deaths, always hit me like a “semi”
― smashing, splattering, and scattering
my feelings along the path
we’ve traveled on the journeys we took together.
Months, years, and the rest of my life are needed
to reassemble the shattered fragments of
“what’s-left-of-my-life,” (or the pieces
of me that I can find).
I am never again the same. Personal portions
of sentimental segments will remain missing . . .
creating questions unanswered:
"Why did this life with so much promise
end unfulfilled?” “Why now?” Why
him/her?” “What about her children?"
"She loved them more than herself”
"Why? Why? Why?"
It times, like these,
I find it comforting to know
and believe in God,
for He is the “The Most Tangible!”
because He gives me hope for a joyous reunion
with my friends ― someday!
By
James A. Porter
