A solemn reverence settled over the office recently as we received word of a tragic horseback accident in Afghanistan that prematurely took the life of a colleague. Having only been with the organization for a few months I did not know this young woman personally but I was privileged to see the outpouring of love from her friends and hear of her wonderful person and personality. She was clearly a person filled with love for her fellowman and the beauties and varieties of this world. She had completely dedicated her life to serving the interests of the poor.
Such a moment inspires personal reflection and ponderous thought. The questions are not academic: what’s it all for? is that it? does it have to be over so soon? that person who loved and was loved, was she only a passing phenomenon?
As I listened to others reminisce and speak so beautifully about their friend I personally felt so restrained, I wanted to stand up and share the good news that I have found and sincerely believe, that death is not the end, that even in grief there is hope.
May her family be comforted in their loss and may I remember the thoughts I had that day.
2 comments ↓
I love those moments when you suddenly realize that what you have is so great, and that you want everybody eles to have that as well.
Where have you been? Why don’t we ever hang out I would like to know?
Hi Heather! Yeah, why don’t we hang out? I would blame it on my pattern of only planning my social life two days in advance, that can put a damper on cross-city connections. I’ll drop you an email and we can put something in stone.
Leave a Comment