We’ve had a tough couple of weeks here. Judy’s husband of 44 years – my brother-in-law Carl – died early Tuesday morning. I was a nine-year-old bridesmaid in their wedding (to which my dad was late, btw, because he was watching “Divorce Court.”)
David and me with Carl in 1965.
Judy and Sarah have been blanketed with comforting calls and cards, each offering condolences and offers of support. But to a grief-shocked wife and daughter – at least for now – they’re just words. And right now, words just aren’t enough.
We lost Carl as the tragedy unfolded Haiti, with more than 100,000 killed. Every news report – every K-Love special announcement – as I traveled to and from Houston ladled on more buckets of Haitian misery – thousands of falling buildings. No food, clean water or medical supplies for the hundreds of thousands injured. And while a still-reasoning reservoir in my mind processed the magnitude of those numbers – I felt no desire to “do something.” Except pull into my sister’s driveway.
Who and what matters most are those in your heart. So as incredible as were those Haitian numbers, they impacted me far less than the one. Because just like words are sometimes not enough – neither are numbers.
Count your blessings. Name them one by one. And go give them big hugs.
January 24th, 2010 - 4:05 pm
Our prayers for your family and hugs in heaven for Carl.
Haiti and Count Your Blessings made me think of when I would sing the song in French …
Lorsque les ennuis, les peines, le chagrin
troubleront ta vie au long de ton chemin,
compte les bienfaits accordes chaque jour,
denombreles en pensant a Son amour
Hugs here and in heaven for the Haitians.
January 24th, 2010 - 4:16 pm
Thanks so much for the pictures. Take care, Pat
January 24th, 2010 - 6:08 pm
My deepest condolences to you and your sister and niece and all who loved Carl. So sorry for your loss.
January 24th, 2010 - 9:47 pm
Hello Becky and all the family,
I am so sorry for all of you. It is a loss to all who knew him, but I know especially for you and your family, Judy, Sarah and her family. I will continue to pray for all.
In sympathy and love,
“Auntie”
January 24th, 2010 - 10:29 pm
Oh Becky,
I’m so sorry to hear this! I will be praying for Judy & her family & all of you as you are going through this time of grief.
January 25th, 2010 - 1:31 am
Dear Becky,
I’m sorry I did not know this when I saw you at church today (twice). I would have given you a big hug. I will pray for all those affected by the loss of this precious loved one.
God bless,
Pat
January 25th, 2010 - 8:54 am
Bec,
As always, you did a magnificent job on the funeral bulletin and obit..I am always awed by your talent.
As you know, having been there, I will continue to pray and think of Judy and Sarah.
I love you,
CMC
January 25th, 2010 - 8:59 am
Becky -
I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and family in my prayers. I know first hand what the loss of a parent feel like – it is still raw for me. I will especially pray for your niece Sarah as I can specifically understand her grief.
Love to you,
Laura
January 25th, 2010 - 3:34 pm
This verse comes to mind – ” Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,
for he who promised is faithful!” Hebrews 10:23
Blessings to you and your family!