The Cycle Of Life

Yesterday, was one of those days that I couldn't help but think about the cycle of life, and life in general. Specifically more to life than just this earth life. We woke up to an early phone call. A close friend of ours had called moments after her Dad passed away. Upset, and in shock, we discussed the process in detail about the minutes, days and weeks that lie ahead. We also discussed in detail [having gone through this process recently with my Mother's passing], the peace the gospel can bring to the entire process of care-giving for a parent, watching them die, then picking up the pieces and moving on with life as you know it, forever changed from your own sense of personal normalcy. With Kim's Dad's death yesterday and my Mom's death anniversary this week, it's one more thing we will now share in common. Mixed emotions about summertime in general and missing your parent at family summertime functions.

Though Kim's Dad's health deteriorated rather quickly and you pray that they go swiftly so they are not in pain and not suffering, it still does not ease the burden of having them gone, no longer to have conversations the way you are accustomed to, or to have interactions the way you get accustomed to. My heart goes out to Kim as losing a parent is never easy, no matter how spiritually tuned in one is. You just learn to deal and cope with the significant loss better each day and look for ways to always remember the good things.

On the flip side we had other friends announce they are expecting. So the opposite end of the cycle of life in the same day. To me it really is amazing this whole cycle of life, with loved ones passing and new ones entering this earthly experience. It's hard to grasp how anyone could think that there is nothing else besides your time on earth. We are both very excited for our friends who are expecting. A child in the house is a whole new adventure. Whether it be natural birth, or adoptive birth, becoming a parent is and will be a life changing event. One that all four of us are looking forward too, and a little nervous about it at the same time.