Family.

 Family.

 

Nephew Erin came today and visited. He is a good, young man. Well, come to think of it, guess he will be 51 years old this May. Is that not still young? Anyway, it was a pleasant visit. He has been trying to get his emotional well-being up to snuff, while he believes that his sister is still on that roller coaster of loss from their mom’s death. Let’s face it, we all take losses differently. And Lesli was accustomed to talking to her mom quite often. Now she tries to talk on the phone while walking the dog and picking up his deliveries. Ahem.

 

It is difficult to lose our routines or have to change them drastically. And that type of loss hurts just as much as a sudden surprising loss. Regrets? Oh yes! Wishing we could rearrange or change things is usually impossible. And probably unnecessary to boot. In fact, sometimes a complete change is needed for us to get our mindset changed. Whether we “allow” the change or fight it is pretty much up to us. But it stands to reason that adjusting to life as it is now makes more sense than whining and wailing over the losses. Digging up the best memories is one of the ways we can help ourselves heal from loss. Lesli sent some old photos to me the other day. Sitting here remembering the children and Lewis over those years ago just gave me a settled feeling. Nothing is ever really a loss if it can be remembered and cherished. Hope eventually that will be how Erin and Lesli can find peace.

 

Being needed by your family happens to be one of the benefits of trying to stay close to them in your heart even when it is impossible to be close to their homes. You let them know you are willing to listen without reservations, without condemnations. And just be there to encourage and remind them that they are loved. That, too, is something we can do for others in our family—and among our friends. No one should be without that person who willingly listens. We may not have answers: as my “sister” says, “Your prescription will not work for me.” But being available to listen must be worth something to just about anyone. Let us practice listening and being there for others—family or otherwise.

 

Remember to pray for peace, for those whose health is uncertain, for those who mourn, for those who need an extra word of encouragement. We ALL need these things at one time or another.

 

Rest well, my friends. You are loved.