Summer Endings

As I reflect the happenings of the past two weeks, I am acutely aware of the workings of the Spirit within Earl and myself. Three years ago, Earl volunteered to help with the Grief Camp for Kids, and last year talked me into helping, too. This is a one day "camp" for 1st to 6th grade children who have experienced a loss of a loved one-mother, father, grandma, sibling, friend, etc... It is a way for them to express their grief, and help them understand, and deal with the grief they experience. I was reluctant to go last year, not sure what I could do to help, and what it involved. I came away from that day with much joy, and understanding of how important it is to have something like this for children. I saw how it changed their grief from complete sadness, to ways of expressing that sadness, and honoring the memory of their loved one. I was assigned two little boys who had lost their baby brother, who was a stillborn. Through stories, a movie, workbook, and memory box, they were able to express their sorrow and loss, along with all the other children. So this year, I willingly volunteered to help again.
When the two little boys came back again this year, they ran over to me and greeted me with smiles. Unfortunately, I assigned another child, so I directed them to their new volunteer. This time, I had a 6 yr. old girl, who had lost her grandmother to cancer @ a young age of 48. She started the day very quiet and shy, but by the end, she blossomed with talk about her grandma, and how much she loved her. I feel this is such a special program, and so happy to be a part of it. At the end of the day, we release balloons in the air with the person's name attached that they want to remember. It is a wonderful feeling of release.


Then, last friday, Dad finished his last day at the coffee shop. He was really bummed out about it, as he really enjoyed seeing the people @ the hospital, both workers, and visitors. But the bottom line was profits, and the hospital had to cut programs and things that were not keeping the hospital in the black. But as he prepared for his last day, he opened the readings for day from the scriptures, and guess what they were:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 There is an appointed time for everything,
and a time for every thing under the heavens....
A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance....
A time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away.
As these verses point out so eloquently, life is full of ups and downs. We all go through times when we feel like we're on top of the world, but we also face times of challenge and tragedy. How do we cope with the death of a loved one, or the loss of a job?
Ironically, the key to weathering the storms of life is often found within, and our connection to God can grow stronger, and deepen our faith. But if you are still searching, it can be a doorway that opens our hearts to His mercy and grace. But I think that the most important reason why tragedies can be blessings, is that we can encourage others facing difficulties with the same strength we have received from God.
I am so proud to be Earl's wife, and so glad he is in mine. I have seen the changes he has gone through, and though he doesn't realize the impact he had made on others in his work, I have listened to the expressions from many who came in contact with him.
He was bombarded with gifts, and cards, tears, hugs, photos, and sayings. What a wonderful accolade for his three years there, let alone getting "Employee of the Year" last year. He will be missed by many, and what more can anyone ask for, for a job well done.
But life goes on, and he will start anew with Caribou Coffee in a couple of weeks as a shift
supervisor, getting the hours he wanted, and weekends off.