I have two beautiful daughters who have a loving and close relationship, they fight as siblings often do, interact, exchange secrets, create memories, laugh, chat and play. It often reminds me of the many memories I created over the years with my brother. I has caused me to reflect on the many memories we created playing, creating messes, disturbances, getting into mischief and just having a blast. I totally idolized him, he was my hero, my best friend, confidant and partner in crime. We had so many plans together; we wanted to raise our families in close proximity and we were so close to meeting many of our goals. But, life has a way of throwing us curve balls.
One weekend, my elder daughter had to be out of town for a volleyball tournament. Her little sister was, initially, excited about having the room all to herself, doing whatever she liked and even said she wouldn’t miss her. I did not interfere or intervene but it did make me a bit sad. After all, I would give anything for one more moment with my own brother and yet here she was rejoicing. Eventually, however, the solitude became too much for her and she looked lost. She seemed unlike herself and as if major part of her was missing….she just seemed to feel incomplete. It reminded me of how I felt after the loss. I too felt; incomplete, lost, empty and somewhat helpless. I went through many faces of grief, each of which varied in intensity (anger, despair, hopelessness, loneliness). Life itself lost its meaning and my personal purpose and motivation were forever altered.
Experiencing loss is life changing, but our beloved father is standing beside us when we feel alone, carrying us when we feel like faltering and is our source of joy and hope when we feel sad and discouraged. When others have stopped calling and gone on with their lives, He is always standing there with His arms outstretched to comfort and sustain us…He it is that doth go with thee. He is our Hope in the Midst of Despair.