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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

When a Child is Here...and Then They Are Not

Before Finn was diagnosed with leukemia, I didn't really think about kids dying.

And then, unfortunately, we saw it all too often.

It's horrible on every level.

Let's face it: death in and of itself isn't the greatest, but there are different levels of grieving and horribleness when someone dies. It was incredibly sad when my three grandparents died (I've got one still alive and kicking madly at 98!) at their various ages, but they had all lived long, full lives--we should all be so lucky. I hope I'M that lucky, in fact.

But when a child dies. Well, I'm at a loss.

Yesterday morning as Declan sat crunching his Honey Nut Cheerios, we had the unhappy task of telling him that a boy from his school died on Sunday. A 13-year old boy he knew, who was one year ahead of him at his very small school, died in an inbound avalanche at the same time we were enjoying a fantastic family ski day.

I cannot wrap my head around this tragedy. This family is from our end of the valley--our town. We have many mutual friends. This boy went to Declan's school. I saw his mother in the post office last week. We were skiing at that very time (different mountain). And now they are grieving.

It could be anyone. I thought maybe I was over that "so close to home" sensation that I experienced so often when Finn was sick (and even now), but apparently that doesn't ever really go away. It just takes on different forms.

Hug your kids. And be grateful today.

8 comments:

M said...

Know the feeling. So sorry for that boy and his family.

Check my last two posts...same here :(

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry for the boy's family and for all of you.

Peace...

Bridget

Anonymous said...

Such tragic news. Prayers for all involved.

Mary

Anne K. said...

There can't be anything more tragic than losing a child. I will keep this family in my prayers.

Paige said...

Oh pooo. I saw that story and was wondering if you knew him. So sorry!

Elizabeth said...

Natalie

I saw the album and tributes on facebook yesterday. So sad for his family. Such a beautiful kid. He looked like a really nice person, too.

Alisa White said...

I was in such an awful mood today; for no good reason either. I just got done reading your post and suddenly I don't feel that way anymore. In fact, I am going to go and play with my 4 wonderful, healthy kids right now and be grateful for the time I have with them. Thanks Natalie.

1dreamr said...

Boy, that puts things into perspective.... Sending prayers... Hard not to ask, "why?" isn't it?