Gone Too Soon

Last Friday a very good friend of mine lost her 16 year-old son in an accidental drowning at his school, her only child. He was in practice for the high school swim team and although the response time from the school coaches and the arriving paramedics was quick he passed away shortly after reaching the hospital. Upon hearing the news her husband suffered a heart attack. Although he remains hospitalized he’s ok and is expected to be released soon.

I wanted to write something to express my feelings for my friend’s loss but I just sat and I stared at the screen. I wanted to write of this unexpected and shocking event which will forever change her life and those connected to her son. I wanted to write of how I kept waiting for the phone call to come that day saying there had been a tragic mistake and her son was ok. I wanted to write of young lives taken too soon and of the unexplained will of God. I wanted to write of the empathy I felt for my friend but in all honesty I have no idea what that is, as I can’t imagine having to bear the massive and sorrowful weight of such a loss. I can’t even begin to fathom the pressure she must feel within or the hurt she struggles with just to rise out of bed. I can’t conceive her aching as everything around her reminds her of her son and subsequently of her loss. Ultimately, I had no shared experience I could offer in order to console her.

I wanted her to know I’ve prayed for the pain she feels to subside. I wanted to tell her it will get better but I can’t imagine this to be true. I know that the pain she feels will probably last longer than any mother’s heart should be forced to bear. I wish I could find words to comfort my friend. I wish I could say all the right things to make the pain go away and I wish I could hold my dear old friend to let her know she’s not alone. I take comfort in knowing she has a strong family and they will aid in her struggle to continue. I wanted to write but my heart was too heavy and the words wouldn’t come….so I stared at the screen.