Thursday, February 22, 2007

Quiet Reflection


I had planned a rather lengthy, lighthearted post for today, but something happened and I'm not feeling up to it.

My son's best friend's dad had a heart attack and died today. He was sitting at the lunchroom table at work visiting with co-workers, then he was gone.

Val, my son's friend, calls me mom. I call him son. I am so sad for him.

It's time for some quiet reflection.

Be well, friends.

30 comments:

Mary said...

Laurie, I'm so sorry. Whether death is long awaited or sudden, the tragedy is the same. Stay well. Hugs to you.

Cathy said...

Laurie, I'm sorry.Val's loss must resonate with you for reasons even beyond your love for him. Losing a parent is one of life's most painful occurrences - mo matter your age.
I'm glad Val has you and your son to comfort him. No small thing.

KC said...

So sorry laurie.

So sorry.

Jacob said...

Ow. Please just know that I do care for your son and his friend and the families this touches. I am so sorry to hear this.

Unknown said...

Please send the best of thoughts to Val. I've lost both my parents, and I know you've lost your mom. Grief is different for all of us, but one thing is the same -- no matter how old you are when you lose a parent, you may as well be six.

WithinWithout said...

Hugs.

dmmgmfm said...

Mary, thank you for your kind words.

Cathy, I've been talking with him most of the evening. He's a wonderful young man and will be of great comfort to his mom, grandma and little sister. We are there for him to lean on now so he can be strong for his family when he gets there.

Thank you KC, you are a dear.

That means a lot to us Gawpo, thank you.

Courtney, Val is reading these comments and taking comfort in your hearfelt wishes. I think your comment "no matter how old you are when you lose a parent, you may as well be six". is absolutely true. Thank you so much for commenting.

WW, hugs back sweetie.

dmmgmfm said...

And by the way, Val has written a tribute to his dad. It can be viewed here: Oh God, Why?

LauraHinNJ said...

Tough yimes - glad you and your son are there for him.

Unknown said...

I would like to think that, since the co-worker didn't see him pass away, that my father had told one of his naughty/nasty jokes that make you double over in laughter and then look at the teller in the "you didn't just say that here" gaze. Knowing dad, I'm certain he did.

LauraHinNJ said...

*times*

sorry - my fingers got away from me.

dmmgmfm said...

Laura, my fingers are on the fritz tonight too.

Val, that sounds just like what you've said about your dad. It's good to focus on the positive. Love you son.

Ur-spo said...

sad news.
another sobering reminder of the fraility of life.
you be well too.

Pam said...

How very sad, I'm so sorry.

LittlePea said...

So Sorry. How awful for you all.

Anonymous said...

Laurie, I'm so sorry for all of you, your son and your son's friend and his family. {{{Hugs}}}

dmmgmfm said...

Ur-spo, thank you dear friend. You're right. Life is short, live it.

Pam, thank you so much.

Mspea, it's really hard on Val. He's such a wonderful young man, I hate to see him in pain like this. Thank you.

Naturewoman, thanks for the hugs. They are very much appreciated.

Anvilcloud said...

It's very sobering, isn't it? Remind me to grasp the day at hand.

Anonymous said...

My heart is with you and the fam. These are some of the toughest times in life. But there will come a time where it won't hurt so much and you can reflect on memories without tears. Till then, us bloggers send you our love and comforting prayers.

Unknown said...

Laurie, There are no words that help ease the pain of loss. I send you and your friends family condolences and hope that the spirit of this man brings comfort to his family as they go through the grief. You are a good friend.

Unknown said...

I read Val's words. This man will be alright. Bless him.

Unknown said...

I read Val's words. This man will be alright. Bless him.

Bonita said...

I'm so sorry, Laurie. I know that you will be a sustaining spirit for Val and your son as you walk quietly through this. My prayers are with all of you.

Romeo Morningwood said...

That is sad.
My father died of a Heart Attack when I was 22.

As callous as this may sound we are all going to leave..
and those of us who leave in the blink of an eye surrounded by friends is not a bad way to go.

I think about it every single day so please do not think that I am undermining the event.
I am almost guaranteed to die from a miocardial infarction
(already outlived Dad)
and I only hope that I get to say goodbye to my wife and kids and go quietly in the night after they atleast get a chance to hear me say I Love You one more time.

I have never even considered the possibility of ever growing old since that day in 1980..I hope that your other 'son' finds a some inner peace in the next few months and years.
Another reminder of the brief tenuous flicker of our little candles. Such short wicks.

((hug))

thailandchani said...

My condolences to both of you.


Peace,

~chani

Unknown said...

I am sorry to hear of your son's best friend's dad's death. His family and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Much shalom to all of you.

wd said...

And in the quiet reflection of the day may you find the strength and the words to help ease the pain and sorrow of those around.

Death is not the end
Death can never be the end.
Death is the road.
Life is the traveller.
The Soul is the Guide
...
Our mind thinks of death.
Our heart thinks of life
Our soul thinks of Immortality.
-- By: Sri Chinmoy

My thoughts/prayers are with you.

(HUGE bear hug) ...b

dmmgmfm said...

AC, you are so right. Live in the now, sieze the day.

Butterfly, Val continues to read this blog and wants you to know how much he appreciates your kind words.

Dave, he's a strong young man, with a good heart. He'll be a pillar of strength for his mom and little sister.

Bonita, I am doing what I can to help. Thanks for the prayers.

HE, thank you. I'm sorry about your dad and hope and pray you have a long and healthy life.

Chani, I'll pass on your kind words to Val.

Nick, many thanks.

Wd, that is beautiful. Thank you so much.

Squirl said...

I'm so sorry to hear about this. So sudden.

dmmgmfm said...

Squirl, thank you.