One Door Closes...Another Opens...

[azskyman]

My cousin in Florida lost her husband back in March. They were not only husband and wife, but best friends too. In the last six years or so that had gone to church together....even joked about death at times.

Death is always a surprise. From the moment it visits, it changes lives. Those left behind must rearrange priorities and relationships and find ways to move on. Some people do well in those situations. Most require a long time before coming to terms and rediscovering life and what it has to offer.

In the 20 years my cousin has lived in Florida, I have only visited her once and occasionally met up with her and her family when she would visit us back in Illinois.

This time, however, it felt like my move to make. She is the one who has lost her best friend. She is the one in need of support.

Since March, Lynne and I have begun phone conversations. Each full of tears and laughs and memories. Mostly just friendship and reminders that all is not lost.

I reminded her in a conversation on Sunday that although her most important door had closed...some new ones were opening. Long lost friends have called to talk or dropped her an e-mail.

And one of her cousins, me, has stepped through an open door to enjoy our family connection once again.

From every loss new seed is planted. And from that seed grow important new relationships and opportunities.

I had forgotten how important Lynne was to me...and me to her.

At least one seed is sprouting some new leaves.

Ever have that kind of experience yourself...where out of loss, an accident, a tragedy, a divorce, a move, or some other change....came a chance to grow a new relationship?

That can happen even from within Storm2k.