This week brought shocking news of a vibrant colleague and friend’s sudden passing. As I have reflected on the past two years of her life (since she lost her husband long before anyone would expect), I am brought face-to-face with the reality that sometimes fatal things happen at times we are entirely unprepared for them.
This was true for Lori when Al died. It is true now for those of us who know, love, and cannot fathom Lori’s passing.
Some say she died of a broken heart. It is true that she has been bereft since Al died. She has soldiered on in a great show of faith, encouraging many to seek truth in Jesus as the One who heals all, forgives all, and redeems all. She has been quick to laugh, even as she has struggled to manage her personal pain. She has reached out to others with encouragement and sought same from close friends. She has been real about her burdens, while at the same time recognizing the opportunities she has had to share God’s word.
The sudden passing of someone so vital gives pause to those of us who assume life will continue as it has. For how long? We dare not speculate, but certainly expect for a while.
It raises questions we’d all like to push aside regarding our own longevity. Surely we have time to do things we’ve thought about but haven’t yet gotten around to? Surely we have time to make amends with people we value but find ourselves estranged from for whatever reasons? Surely we have time to kick our bad habits in order to revitalize our declining health?
Surely. One day and one step at a time we may make progress on each of these things. We cannot do them all. Maybe more realistically said, we will not do them all. We’ve already proven that. What we can do, and what Lori did every day of her life despite her personal struggles, is encourage others and share the energy that comes from mutual striving. Her laughter was a constant pushback to the negativity that threatens each of us—all of us—in a dark and confused world.
A sudden passing of someone so beloved makes us catch our collective breath. How can this be?
How can it not be? Life is tentative. Precious. Fleeting. Take time away from the frenzy to consider what you’d like the rest of your time to be about. Then get after it. And remember to love. That is the balm and the comfort in heart-wrenching times.
