It’s the unexpected losses that throw us scurrying into sorrows lap. Traumatized by unexpected death,  our world tangles. We become vulnerable in a way we thought beyond us. Kind words set loose tears.

Grieving the loss of my sister, last week, we were torn three days later by the death of a son-in-law.  The mind reels, trying to make sense of a sudden loss, and unknown illness. I watch tears spread through a shattered family.

My younger grandson wonders who will take him to the bus stop. He speculates there might be a way to get his dad back, if they just do the right things. Shopping with a granddaughter, I’m hit by the realization that Sunday is Father’s Day. We lean on the oldest, perhaps more than we should. Yet, it occupies him, and gives him a chance to do something for his dad.

Rhythms of mourning take over our lives. Kind neighbors drop off food. People from another era, make room and space for a funeral. Soloists  from  an earlier congregation volunteer to sing.  We see kindness dripping through our tears, and find ourselves embraced by God’s people, enveloped in God’s web of love. 

“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted,
and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18