GIFT #6 - When is it right to pause?

Someone in my circle died of Covid-19 yesterday.

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She was a friendly lady in her 40s. A greeter at church who often listened intensely to whomever she was talking to. Her eyes were always bright with curiosity, her lips easily upturned with laughter. We were not close friends but we shared meals together and spent time in a weekly women's study group. The last year had been tough on her health as she struggled with unexplained fevers. She had to go to the hospital regularly for blood transfusions. She lived alone as she was separated from her spouse and her young adult child lived overseas. Despite her hardships, she was always a ray of sunshine whenever I saw her.

She died yesterday.

Alone.

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Despite my biggest efforts to get back on track with my work, it has been hard to focus. Is it right for me to pause? Especially after I had just taken some time to rejuvenate my spirit?

Du-uh!

When is it ever wrong to pause to grieve the loss of a life? A friend? Papers and assignments be damned. So too students' parents who are jerks. That's a blogpost for another day.

Shari, I am thankful we crossed paths for a short season. You taught me to never lose hope and never stop looking for reasons to smile. I am sorry your loved ones were not there at the end but I trust that the One who loves you the most was present, ready to welcome you to the eternal. I am thankful that you are no longer in pain and you are walking and skipping with joy and wonderment at your new home. Good night, sweet lady.

Sun setting over Cape Code, MA.