F-R-A-G-I-L-E

Life is fragile.

And this became none more apparant to me until the last couple of weeks. To keep it brief, an absolute tragedy occured a couple of weeks ago. A tragedy likened to something you'd see in the movies. A dearly loved mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend, passed away 2 days after giving birth to a healthy baby daughter. She left behind a husband, and 4 children, all under the age of 5.

When i first heard this, i felt sorry for the family and people involved. But that's about it. I mean, i didnt know these people personally, so it's hard to feel any more. So when they were looking for volunteers to help in the memorial service last week, i put my hand up as i thought i'd be one of the few that wouldnt be too affected, as i didnt know them personally.

How I was wrong.

I havent been so sad for a long long time. By the end of the service, i felt emotionally drained, numb and extremely upset with a heavy heart. I could not begin to fathom how her husband must be. And i didnt even know her personally. But i did realise that i knew her children, which was the real heartbreaker for me. I am connected to the kids thru sunday school, and hence a wave of despair overcame me during the service, and the rest of the day.

I find it difficult to look at children and families now without this tragedy in mind. This was such a young family of promise, which was so easily broken just like that. I look at people and the world and realise how easily it could be broken. In a world where we LIKE to think we're in control, it goes to show just how little control over life we really do have.

No words or actions could ever express my condolesences to the family, but my heart bleeds for them. Now i have the slightest inkling of what Christ feels for us, why he died for us. May we remember what this long weekend signifies for us all.

Life is fragile indeed.