Early in December I started my Christmas shopping at the Domain with Emily. It was a cold overcast Saturday filled with drinking Pumpkin Spice Lattes to keep us warm. As we walked from store to store, I found it much easier to shop for myself than my new sister-in-law, sisters, or parents. When we went into Banana Republic I found a great black dress. As Emily and I were walking to the resister I told her this black dress will be perfect for school, weddings, or even a funeral.
Little did I know, two weeks later I would be wearing that dress to our teammate's funeral.
Death is a weird subject. I don't like to think about it much. I think I am afraid of dying. Not because of the actual death part but because of leaving behind my loved ones. Our teammate, Ceci, left behind two sons, a loving husband, and many siblings. She passed unexpectedly just four days before Christmas; not even one day after our Christmas Break started. Ever since my principal called to tell me of this sad news, I have not been able to stop thinking about her death. I keep thinking about her poor family and the first graders who will come back to school without their teacher.
In time we know death gets easier but life throws at us situations we never thought would happen. And I know with God's love our hearts eventually begin to mend, but they are never the same.
Go in peace my friend, go in peace.
