Incomprehensible

On Sunday afternoon we got word that my classmate, whom I was good friends with in high school, was killed Sunday morning. He was riding on his motorcycle when an elderly woman driving home from church carelessly failed to yield and hit him head on. He was wearing a helmet, but it didn't matter. One of his last posts on Facebook in May read "Bought a Harley today. It's gonna be a crazy summer."

He's the second person from my graduating class to have died so far, following another young man a few years ago. He was 25.

During high school, we spent a lot of time together toiling in French and yearbook class, he came to my church often and sat with my family, and he dated one of my best friends for a long time. He came to our wedding, too. I hadn't talked to him in quite awhile, thanks to the usual excuses of time and distance and opportunity, and for that I am regretful.

I wish I possessed the eloquence to state the big things that should be stated at a time like this. Grand overtures about our fleeting time on earth and the fragility of life and the tragedy of death, especially young death, but I don't have the words. All I can say is, he will be missed by a lot of people, and I wish it didn't have to turn out this way. It's incomprehensible.

Perspective

Recently, within the span of three days, I had the privilege to witness both intense joy and sorrow.

Husband and I were invited to attend the wedding of two very wonderful people. Everything was absolutely beautiful, from the five-piece instrument band that played what sounded like Irish folk music, to the lovely paper fans provided for each guest; the overwhelming excitement and happiness expressed on the bride and groom's faces was plain for all in attendance to see. The wedding perfectly reflected their taste and ideals; it was just them.

Then, just two days later, Husband and I attended the viewing for an elderly woman who was an acquaintance of his family. Her spouse stood next to her body, so disconnected from the person he'd made a life with. I had only met the couple once, right after Husband and my wedding, but I found them to be kind people, and my heart went out to the family for their loss and the grief they were experiencing.

The juxtaposition of these two events brings perspective to one's life. The beginning and ending of human relationships is beautiful and tragic. We enter into so many things-marriages, births, friendships-with the certainty that the ending will, most likely, involve deep sadness. But, as every Disney movie has repeated, the satisfaction and enjoyment-the true meaning of the endeavor-comes from the journey and not the conclusion.

So thank you for sharing in my journey, and thank you for letting me share in yours. We may not ride off into the sunset together before the credits roll, but today is what counts and I am grateful.