One trying week...

The month of January 2005 is not one I'll forget soon. Not only did I end a relationship with a guy (let's name him Jason) I'd been dating for two years but I've had two funerals to attend in the last two days. I highly suggest never to do that.
It's not that I 'mind' funerals or have a fear of death or anything but I'm the type of person that can hit the 'nostalgia button' in a heartbeat and empathy is not a difficult realm for me to get lost in...one woman was in her mid-fifties and was an incredible example of loyality, dedication, and care for her family, church, and community. It was a horrid car accident that ended her life. My heart is torn apart for her husband and two sons. We were told this morning at church that she has been the Athletic Sports Booster Club chairperson for quite awhile. When the local high school's wrestling team was told about her death, not only were all the guys shocked - each member came to the service on Friday. Our church was packed out - Ellen would have been blown away by the attendance and the testamonies in her honor.
The second funeral was for the mother of one of my best friends' from college. Bets had been suffering from ALS for the last four years. Since December 2001, she was hospital bound. As dreadful as that sounds, you would never have known that by visiting with her. There was a light and vitality to her that no disease could touch. Knowing she is in such a much greater place right now gives us an enormous sense of peace. I hope someday to possess a tenth of the joy, hope, and love that Bets was known for...she was a magnificent woman. I loved Bets from the moment we met and my love for her will continue in my relationships with her eldest daughter and her family. My sadness lies in the fact that more people did not get the amazing opportunity to meet her and experience life with Bets.
Sorry for what seems like a 'downer' entry but it's times like these that make up the fabric of our lives' tapestries...each thread is woven in for a very specific reason. Each thread beautifies and strengthens and helps us get to the next part in it's fulfillment. The threads of Ellen and Bets both have made my tapestry much bolder, more breath-taking, more complete.