I am linking up for the Five Minute Friday. The FMF is hosted by Kate Motaung over at our Five Minute Friday website. Today’s word prompt is “tired” We would love to have you join us.
Weary grief laden eyes; eyes that have shed tears. Tears that echo a lost friendship. A friendship taken way too soon by the ugliness of cancer. Tears that tell of a love and laughter that is lost. Tears that cry for Bens wife Mara, their daughter Elizabeth and all who know and love Ben.
My heart and grief are heavy! I am tired and weary as yet another young leader has been taken way too soon. Too many of our friends are no longer here. Sometimes I wonder if friendship is worth it when we have to say goodbye so suddenly. Yet I know that this friendship is every bit worth it.
Grief is a funny thing, isn’t it? We all grieve differently! Yet the same tiredness comes over all of us in the midst of our grief. I’ve been so uplifted by an amazing community this week; a community that holds us and reminds us of God’s promises when we cannot do that for ourselves. A community that is also weary from the grief we carry. But even in the midst of it all, we have found ways to remember and also laugh.
Sunday night I’ll hop on a train so I can be there next Tuesday as we celebrate Ben’s life. I’ll be tired from traveling but it will be totally worth it to celebrate and say goodbye together. A collective grief carried together; a collective grief that we will lay at the foot of the cross and a collective grief that will open to joy as we cling to the promises of resurrection hope.
Thank you for your honesty and transparency in this post. I am so thankful for a community that reminds me of God’s promises when I am too tired and sad to see them myself. I pray that God wraps you in comfort and love.
Your friend,
Jolene Rose
Thanks Jolene!
Your writing reminded me of that tiredness that ia a sister to grief. I had forgotten. I am sorry for your friend Ben’s family, I hope that peace gives you rest.
Thank You!
You CAN DO THIS. For Ben and his family. Remind us when you leave in Survivors group so we can pray. xo
I did it! I will never forget one of my dear friends looking at me and saying, “You are being so strong.” It sucked but I am glad that I could be there and celebrate our friend with my friends.
I’ll be praying for you and Ben’s family during this difficult time!
Thank You!
the loss of close friends and loved ones is always difficult, especially when it seems they die “before their time.” this past summer, i visited with a childhood friend whose mother died of cancer at age 36 and we discussed many aspects of her death back then and in the years since. it was an interesting and sad conversation. i remember the event as a huge thing from my childhood. of course, we all expected her to be healed. her death was devastating. i do remember her funeral as one that was encouraging and hopeful as well as the many i have attended since. the process of grief is exhausting, but mixed in are many memories that bring laughter and joy that we had the person as long as we did. and we remember their values as well. it is truly a jumbled mix of emotions that we untangle. we pray for you as you go on this journey…as well as for his family:(
That is so true! Ben’s funeral was filled with so much hopefulness. Grief is indeed exhausting. I think I could sleep for weeks at this point! I got a good solid sleep last night though which was wonderful. Thanks for the prayers. They are greatly appreciated!
I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend, Tara! Praying for you as you go to say goodbye and honour Ben.
Thank You!
Tara, you – and Ben’s family – are in my prayers. I know how brightly you will reflect God’s love, and the supremacy of Hope, when you are with them.
Thank You!
Oh, I agree. In the midst of the pain, a celebration of a life well-lived. I’m glad you get to be with your friends and participate in the process. Love to you!
Thank You! I appreciate that!
Tara, I am so, so sorry about the loss of your friend. I wish I could hug you right now. There is something healing about grieving with others. It’s less isolating, more soothing. It doesn’t take away the ache of loss. But I’m hoping you, Ben’s family and friends can find comfort together.
Thank You! I got plenty of hugs the last several days. We did indeed find comfort together…along with laughter and joy which is how Ben would want it!
I’m glad you have a community around you to grieve with at the moment. And I love what you said there at the end about collective grief. Prayers for you right now!
Me too! And thanks!
I’m so sorry, Tara. For you and for all who knew and loved Ben. Praying for you today.
Thank You!
Praying that tomorrow is encouraging for you as well as Ben’s family and the rest of his friends that will gather to celebrate his life.
Thank You! It was a beautiful celebration of Ben’s life!
Grief is wearying! It takes a piece of your heart and after awhile you wonder if there is anymore of your heart to give away. But you say it so well, “we cling to the promises of resurrection hope.”
Praying for you as you navigate another loss knowing that another piece of your heart is gone but God is still faithful.
Oh my is it…I am still tired! You hit the nail on the head. But one thing Ben taught us; taught me is that there is always more room for love in our hearts. Thanks for the prayers. They are so greatly appreciated!
Aww, I’m so sorry for your loss, Tara. This has, indeed, been a difficult season for you. Praying for you today as you grieve in community.
Thank You! It truly has. Lent has seemed way longer than usual this year and I am so ready to see the Easter promises shown to us.