Sometimes something happens which rocks your world, where you wonder about the lottery that is life and you ask the question “Why?”
You may remember young Ben who I’ve written about many times here on my blog? Well last Saturday Ben’s beautiful mum died suddenly. A young woman who had been hurt so badly by life almost four years ago when young Ben aged 6 became ill and passed away.
Over the past four years, despite her sadness at losing her little boy she has been a rock for her husband and done a wonderful job, loving and rearing her two daughters.
It seems beyond possible for any one family to go through such tragedy and loss. I ask all who read this tonight to take a moment to send them love, support and strength from wherever you may be. Those of us who share their world can try to help as best we can.
There are some who will say she is with her little boy, and yes I hope that is a possibility. But I would like to believe that she is much closer than that. While we offer love and solace to her family I hope Elma slips her hand into her daughters and husbands hand and walks beside them in the difficult days, weeks and months ahead. That they and her Mum, Dad and family sense her close by, pushing them along when they struggle and that even on their darkest days she shines a little light their way.
Codladh Sámh, gentle soul, for that is what I always thought you to be. You will be much missed by so many. xxx
photo credit: CarbonNYC via photopin cc
My thoughts on a page. 
Oh Tric! I can’t grasp this. I’m so sorry. And will take more than a moment for them. I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend, and for the loss to this family.
Thanks Colleen funeral tomorrow but impossible to comprehend she’s gone. So hard for her family.
My aunt has been following your blog and wrote to me as soon as she read your post. Some extra love being sent your way from America.
I’m sorry for your loss of a good friend, Tric. I will send her family healing thoughts.
Thank you Irene.
How terrible! Sending love, hugs, and prayers your way!
Thank you Angie.
So sorry for all. Caring prayers coming.
Thank you so much.
A very beautiful tribute to your friend, Tric. My heart goes out to her friends and her family.
Thank you. It’s incredible on it’s own to lose a young mum but so soon after Ben!
Their family must be in pieces. It seems unthinkable.
I think they’ll need some extraordinary help to get through this.
From what you have written, Tric, I think they will have some extraordinary friends around them.
Tric, I’m so very sorry. Will be praying for the family and you.
I know they’ll appreciate your prayers. Thank you Charlene.
Oh my goodness – I’m so sorry to read this and will send loving thoughts to her family who must be reeling…it’s hard to comprehend sometimes.
It is indeed. You can well understand the never ending grief in losing a child and sibling, now so soon to lose a mother! It’s awful. Thank you for your kind thoughts.
i am so very sorry for the loss of this sweet, gentle soul. i am sorry for the loss to all who love her and who were lucky enough to cross paths with her. i will think about her and her loved ones on my solitary walk in the woods tomorrow.
That’s so lovely. Thank you.
This is beyond tragic…sending big hugs
Thank you sue.
Tric- I am still reeling from this entry-
The phrase it happens for a reason is one that often passes the lips of people that know not what to say. I stopped believing that phrase a long time ago when people would say that to me about my husband’s illness.
My hope for this family is that they will remain close to one another as they grieve through yet another unfathomable loss.
That is such a measured wish for this family Sharen and so appropriate. I’ve little doubt that is what Elma would wish for them all.
When my Dad knew he was not going to live he wrote our family a letter and that was one of his wishes, that we would remain a family.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. xx
Gosh that is just awful I’m so sorry, I’ll say a pray for them, sending love and hugs xx
Thanks so much.
Oh my goodness. I can’t remember how I started to follow your page but have certainly brought to my senses on reading many of your lovely writings about Ben. I know not of you or this family but am deeply saddened for you all on your sudden loss. I missed a heartbeat as a friend and a mum to three daughters was admitted to hospital this morning very unwell. It’s scary. I don’t know what to say. Truly sorry to read this.
Thank you so much. I really home your friend has improved. Life can change in a heartbeat. Thanks for taking the time to comment. It’s much appreciated.
Oh, no! Tric, I am so sorry! Oh, what can one say? I am sending love, and prayers and every thought of strength to that poor father and his girls. Oh, what a loss….Sending extra love and strength to you, too, as you continue to be a stalwart and loving friend to those who grieve.
Thank you. All thoughts and prayers are much needed. Even without the loss of Ben losing Elma so young is a tragedy, but so soon after Ben is devastating.
It sounds as if she were the type of person who gave her family and friends strength and memories that will help them through.
I think you’re right. She did and I’m sure she will. Thank you.
Oh how very sad. Sending love to all. 💙💚💛
Thank you.
Sending hugs prayers to them . So sad may she rest in peace . May God comfort your brother and his darling girls at this devastating time xxx
Thank you.
So sad for all your friends family Tric, I am just whispering a prayer for you all as I write. Hope they are of some comfort, words are very hard to come by at such a sad time. Chris.
You are so right, words really are poor comfort, but they are all we have and I think knowing you whispered a quiet prayer is something that will be appreciated. Thank you.
oh God, that’s so awful. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family during this incredibly hard time.
Thank you so much.
Beautifully written, Tric. As you said immeasurable grief for Bryan, his daughters and Elma’s family. I’ve never met Bryan or Elma but I got to know Bryan as the parent of an organ donor, as I am myself. This is one of the times when words just aren’t enough. Thoughts and prayers seem pointless even, but they are all we have at a time of such profound sadness for Ben and his family. May Elma and Ben hold you all close in their hearts and stay by your shoulders comforting and guiding you. Martina
You are so kind Martina to take the time to comment. I am so sorry for your own loss. Was it your son or daughter? I cannot imagine your own pain.
I’m sure Bryan will be most grateful you reached out to him and his family here. Thank you.
This is absolutely awful for her remaining family. My sister and husband lost their little boy last year the week before Christmas and it has been one of the worst times, but losing my sister too would shatter me entirely. My love and prayers and tears are all for them right now. 😦 😦
Thank you . So much loss is heartbreaking. I am so sorry about your nephew. Seeing someone suffer after losing a child is difficult to watch. I know your prayers will be appreciated.
Very sad. So sorry for the loss of your friend.
Thanks Mick.
So sad and so beautifully written xxx
Thank you Candi.
I’m so sorry I’ve only seen this now, Tric, this is so sad. The biggest of hugs to you and everyone xxxx
Thank you. It’s still impossible to believe.
I’m so very sad to read this 😢
Thank you. It’s still too hard to believe, and so cruel.
thank you . You are so right field, words really are wretched comfort, but they are all we experience and I cerebrate knowing you whispered a muted prayer is something that will be appreciated.
Thank you. Yes words can help and knowing someone cares enough to share a prayer, thought or light a candle can mean so much. It’s a month since I posted this and the pain for those involved is enormous, all we can do is be there.
❤🙏🏻❤