I had a bad dream last night, but I won't share the details here. I will just say that it took me back in my mind, to a very bad and sad place which I'd like to forget, but I'm learning, that I never will.  I know it's not sensible to even believe for a moment that one could forget such a horrific loss.  I'm just saying that sometimes I think I'd like to. At least some of the details that haunt me, and I'm sure are even more haunting for my daughter and her husband and son.

A friend of mine who lost a son almost two years ago will be reliving her nightmare this week as the unavoidable anniversary of her child's accident and death must come and go again.  It's not just a moment in time when something horrible happens to your child or grandchild, or anyone you love dearly. It's an ongoing state of shock, sadness, and despair, which gradually turns into something I can't seem to find a single word for but can only describe as just a forced acceptance of what is.  My heart mourns for my friend and her children and family who are already anticipating a heightened sense of grief for the upcoming week. I pray that God will grant them mercy and peace and allow them to pass through this time unscathed and remembering more good times than bad.

I know these days still lie ahead for us.  Truitt's birthday being the first such day, in just a couple of weeks. Then the holidays. But for those who know the Lord, we have all we need to get through these times. Matthew 5:4 says "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Another friend had a very close call with her daughter yesterday when she got kicked in the head by her horse.   The emergent state it sent my heart in just hearing about it was scary.  It reminded me yet again how precious each moment is and how every breath is a gift from God.  Fortunately, my friends daughter is going to recover from this near tragedy.  Somebody else's will not.  All over the world people mourn and grieve for loss of loved ones.  Let me say again, i think its worth repeating; For those who know the Lord, we have all we need to get through these times. Matthew 5:4 says "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."

Lord, your mercies are new every morning.  Bestow on my friend and her family new mercies this week, and peace beyond anything they could have hoped for. And please do the same for us, especially my dear daughter.