Monday, August 25, 2008

Ugly

I spent Sunday evening at the funeral home. My stepbrother's son died Friday. He was 38 years old--younger than I am. Lung cancer.

My stepbrother and his wife put on brave faces and performed the required meet and greet. They hugged and kissed, shook hands, and asked the appropriate questions. How are the kids? How's your mom doing?

When it was my turn to go through the line my stepbrother hugged me tight and whispered in my ear, "Isn't this ugly?"

Oh, yes, it truly is ugly. It's ugly that a kind, loving young man should be taken away from those who love him. It's ugly that people feel so much despair that they are driven to take their own lives. It's ugly that our children and grandchildren are born with a syndrome that erases so many hopes and dreams. It's ugly that those same children and their parents face discrimination so often, and in so many ways. It's an ugly that can't be viewed head on, but rather by peeking cautiously through the spaces between your fingers.

Life empties us, little by little. Who can stand it?

5 comments:

Julie said...

I am so sorry for your family's loss. I don't know if this helps at all but I choose to believe that Ethan, Scott's son, is doing a greater thing in heaven for his brother and sisters than he ever could here. I know it is not much to hang on to but when I get sad that Noah doesn't know him and Grace barely remembers him it is what I cling to. Big hugs.

Kerry said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your nephew ~ I can't believe how young he was. I like Julie's thoughts about death; it brings a peace of mind.

Thinking of you and your family ~

Kerry said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your nephew ~ I can't believe how young he was. I like Julie's thoughts about death; it brings a peace of mind.

Thinking of you and your family ~

Nancy said...

I'm so sorry about your nephew.

Hugs.

Tara said...

I'm so sorry to hear of this loss - I somehow missed this post. I'm thinking of your family - I know the hurt will probably never go away. Hugs,
Tara