Loss

Before my grandmother passed away in October, I was blessed without having to say good-bye to anyone close to me for many, many years.  It seems that I'm making up for that in the past couple of months.

On Sunday, I lost my good friend, Zach.  He was a great friend and support to both my husband, and I during our years at PSU and beyond.  I was also close friends with his wife, Diane, who along with a great group of girls, made up our Bigler Girls Bible Study at PSU.  My husband and I were a part of their wedding, we took a camping trip together to the Grand Canyon of PA, and we shared in their excitement as their family grew.  Distance separated us and when holidays brought them back to our neck of the woods, babies kept them busy.  It became hard to find times to visit, but we still kept in touch through emails and Facebook.  I know that when we would have met next, our conversation would pick up right where it left off, without a hint of awkwardness. For me, that's a very special kind of friendship!

I am in shock at the news of Zach's passing and I feel a deep sadness for having lost a friend, but even more than that, I hurt for my friend, Diane, who has lost her best friend and the father of her children.  I cannot even begin to imagine that pain and loss.

I know that both my grandmother and Zach were firm believers in the Lord and the life beyond this human life that was promised to them.  I know both of them are well cared-for, and that they are truly blessed to have met their Creator face to face.  I will rejoice in that knowledge, but realize the human pain that is felt from their absence in our lives.

Here is a link to Zach's obituary.