My thoughts and prayers are with you tonight. Words really cannot express feelings in times like these and I almost feel cheap even attempting to write something right now but this is where the Muse has guided me so…
We may never know why things happen the way they do. Generally the mysteries of the Universe don’t reveal themselves. Everyday people die seemingly without meaning or cause and the people left behind search for something to tell themselves. They look for some hidden meaning behind it all or some clue that might help them rationalize the irrational and put everything back into perspective. Perhaps the answer is there all along and much simpler than we imagine.
A train in Russia derails and many people die. The people left behind, the ones who have now “lost someone”, might never know why Fate guided Death’s hand to that particular train on that particular day.
A sportswriter takes in own life. The reasons behind this final act might seem obvious to some but not to those closest to him.
A truck driver is dead after his pick-up truck is found submerged in a creek. Police believe an underlining medical condition may have caused the accident but I guarantee his family will still, in their grief, continuously ask “why?”
A business report, 52, succumbs to a long-running heart-related illness. His family and friends were all aware of this condition yet none of them expected the end to happen so soon, so swiftly.
Why?
Life is hard. Life isn’t always fun. The world is mean and cruel, often worse to some than to others. We complain and bitch. We hate and grumble. Then something happens. Something sudden. Something worse than the mundane occurrences we find ourselves annoyed with and suddenly life has meaning. Suddenly, in spite of our usual protests, life is important and needs to be cherished.
I’m as guilty as anyone else of taking it all for granted. I curse the day I was born maybe more than I should. I think about how hard and cruel life can be and secretly day-dream that it would be easier not being here at all but the reality is I’m grateful for every breath I take and even more grateful for the every breath the people I love take.
A girl dies in a hospital.
A friend tries to hold back tears.
The Muse guides me to my desk and demands I write. I don’t know what will come out and I don’t know why I’m compelled but I obey.
Many people died today that I never met but through the eyes of people close to me I can see the pain death causes. I can feel it like a kick to the gut. So here I am writing about nothing and everything all in the same breath.
Find someone you love. Tell them. Hold them. Then hold them just a little bit longer. Life is short and delicate.
You’re in my thoughts and my heart. You know who you are.
Shawn, this was one of your greatest pieces yet. I know it is raw and from the heart. A work of beauty sincerity. Recently I have been asking many questions...but mostly : "Why? Why God? Why?" My sister and I used to play with our neighbors next door. We would ride bikes, climb trees, eat french toast & play Donkey Kong together before going to the bus-stop. I saw the oldest brother Mark Paul Brown transform into a man. He got married. Has a 3 year old daughter...3 going on 40. Working hard to make a life for his growing family. And a month ago, he was murdered. One blunt force strike killed him instantly. His sister and brother are both trying to keep it "together" for their mother. She is trying to come to terms with the fact that she had to bury her own son.
ReplyDeleteIndeed You have touched a topic that is very relevant to me in this season. And I believe it needs to be delved into.
My favorite line from your blog: Find someone you love. Tell them. Hold them. Then hold them just a little bit longer. Life is short and delicate.