Holding on?

The last weeks have been battering.

I’ve been trying to find a way to describe it without being overly dramatic – perhaps how I imagine it would feel crossing the Pacific in a rowing boat. Not ideal but there would be long stretches of amazing experiences, clear skies and calm seas… and times where you’ll be holding on for dear life as the waves hit.

A friend was killed in an accident. One moment larger than life, the next – not.

Just over a week later, my mother in law died. I was going to say lost her battle with cancer, however, it seems too cliche for the awful but beautiful experience it was to be with her when she died.

And while it feels like “normal” life should stop, it doesn’t.

Homework and work needs to be done.  Shoes put on. Toast may or may not need to be toasted. Now, there are also the holes they have left and the added responsibility of guiding the kids through their grief.  Helping them come to terms with loss and to remember all the things that made up Grandma.

But there has also been lots of joy. Of reconnecting with friends, laughing over horrible jokes, reminiscing, tickles with the kids…

Growing up on a farm, my dad would often say that where there is life, there is death.

Right now, it’s hard to be that philosophical, but the level of support we’ve received has been awesome. I know we have the life vests, flares, and emergency rations at the ready so it will be ok. Even though there may still be some stormy waters ahead.