This is a year 12 class I had 3 years ago - they're now all about 21 or 22. The single photo is Lindsay (seen also in the group photo) who recently lost his life in a rock climbing fall.As well as teaching Lindsay, I know his family well, his mother in particular. He was the youngest of 3 children, born when his sister (friend of my daughter's) was 4 years old. Such a huge loss and waste of a young life, how will his family and close friends ever get over it? We, whose lives have thankfully been untouched by such a tragedy, can only imagine the depth of their grief and suffering.We will go to Lindsay's funeral later in the week and try and share some of that burden of sorrow.
Meanwhile, my grandmother continues to live on at the amazing age of 107. She was born in April, 1901 and led an eventful and active life. A slightly eccentric person, she was wonderfully creative and enterprising all her productive life. Now she lies in her bed at her care centre and can do nothing. Sometimes her carers lift her into her special chair but still she does nothing. She barely communicates, won't talk, resists food, she doesn't seem in pain - but she won't leave us either.My mother (86 years) feels so sorry for this mother who once ruled the roost, such a vibrant and commanding person, reduced to this unlife. We can only wish her a merciful release some time soon. Meanwhile another family is left to wonder why their beautiful son, grandson, brother, boyfriend, cousin was taken from them on the verge of adulthood.
4 comments:
Pam, it's now 17 years since my 22 yr old darling brother died... and my mother lives on in a nursing home, my father still at home , barely able to walk. I can't make sense of it all, and i share your feelings at the moment.
Suffering is a great mystery and in the end maybe we will understand. I imagine if all who know this young man were asked by God 22 years ago this question: "I'm going to give you a wonderful son, brother, and friend but for only 22 years would this be good?" that we would say overwhelmingly "yes". The many years apart will be nothing compared to the eternity together.
Thank you - and this is how I have come to terms with my brother's short but meaningful life.
I'm glad my experience has enabled you guys to share these thoughts. Thank you for your contributions.
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