Dealing with Grief, Death and Dying: A Note.
The past week has been a time of tremendous grief. On Friday I learned of the death of my biological first cousin, who committed suicide in Atlanta on July 6th. He was 23 years old. Next I learned of the passing of a house brother, Brandon Mizrahi, who died of a cancer in St. Louis, Missouri. He was also 23. Finally, yesterday I learned of the death of Dekenric Wiley, the Vice President of Flavaworks Inc, who passed suddenly of pneumonia. He was 32 and had just been in Miami for "Pride" partying and having a good time. All three of these deaths were quite unexpected and incredibly shocking.
On top of all of this, my mother, who is seriously ill, was hospitalized again for a week. She was released this past Sunday and we are looking forward to her continued recovery. These experiences, one on top of the other, have left me numb and rather overwhelmed. I have never felt so surrounded by death and dying all at once---it has truly been a life changing experience.
Though it seems quite cliche, moments like these remind of me of the truly fleeting, ephemeral nature of life. I've been in deep prayer lately trying to contemplate what lesson god is trying to teach me with all of these instances of sickness and mortality.
On top of all of this, my mother, who is seriously ill, was hospitalized again for a week. She was released this past Sunday and we are looking forward to her continued recovery. These experiences, one on top of the other, have left me numb and rather overwhelmed. I have never felt so surrounded by death and dying all at once---it has truly been a life changing experience.
Though it seems quite cliche, moments like these remind of me of the truly fleeting, ephemeral nature of life. I've been in deep prayer lately trying to contemplate what lesson god is trying to teach me with all of these instances of sickness and mortality.
Confused,
Frank
My prayers are with you brother. I too have found the importance of valuing each friendship, seeing each close relationship as precious and a gift for God, because we don't know how much time we have with each other.
Posted by
WhozHe |
7/15/2007
my condolenses and prayers go out to you. you are a strong person frank. Keep the faith and stay strong.
Posted by
Andre J. Allen II |
7/15/2007
My prayers are with you. I believe these events remind us how precious life is and helps us value the time we have on earth and the people who are close and dear to us. I think that tragedy opens the door to compassion and humility. I also believe we can gain endurance and perseverance through these times. I don't know how religous you are but check out Psalms 46. Also http://www.memorialchurch.harvard.edu/publications/archive.shtml and listen to Peter Gomes talk about tragedy (Vtech slayings) it is helpful. Keep your head up.
- Jon Carl
Posted by
Anonymous |
7/16/2007
There is a old saying that Death comes in threes. I've been in a situation like urs before when death strikes and strikes round you like a whip and the sting it can leave is almost unbearable. Almost. I won't tell you anything like you will be okay or anything like that because ur grieving and it never really helps when ur in that place to have people spout what at the times seems to be such utter nonsense. I will only say Frank that given what I've read of you on this blog I know you will survive and you will be stronger. You will be....My prayers are with you mo zami.
Posted by
Kyon Saucier |
7/16/2007
Frank, my condolences to you and your family during your hour of:bereavement. Your tribute to those that have gone on before you is a lovely gesture of the heart, it expresses your love for them. "Things are going to get easier."
Posted by
Chet |
7/16/2007
You are definitely in my prayers. Whew, you have quite a bit going on. Often, the answers we are praying for don't come to us in a grand fashion watch for your answer in the small things.
Posted by
life |
7/16/2007
wow three lives so young... you never know when its your time i guess
Posted by
C. Baptiste-Williams |
7/16/2007
yes way too young. cancer and pneumonia taking their lives so young.
sounds like the same coverups of the 80s.
Posted by
Anonymous |
7/16/2007
ALL WE HAVE 2 DO MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IS TO STAY PRAYERFUL AND TO KEEP GOD FIRST B/C WITHOUT HIM WE ARE NOTHING. WE GET UP IN THE MORNING EVERYDAY W/O SAYING OUR PRAYERS,SAYING OUR GRACE WHEN WE EAT AND JUST SAYING " I THANK YOU GOD" JUST FOR BEING ME AND YOU BLESSING ME.WE TAKE IT FOR GRANTED FOR OUR LIFE WHEN WE SHALL ALL GIVE GOD PRAISE JUST FOR KEEPING US AND GUIDING US.IT COULD HAVE BEEN ANY1 OF US THAT HAD DIED BUT B/C OF GOD'S FAVOR, HE CHOSE TO KEEP US ANOTHER DAY.MY PASTOR'S FAVORITE QUOTE"NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU SHALL PROSPER AND ANY TONGUE THAT RISES UP AGAINST YOU ON JUDGMENT, YOU SHALL CONDEMN"...KEEP GOD FIRST,LUV YOU ALL, DEREK PRODIGY
Posted by
Anonymous |
7/31/2007