When Tragedy Strikes

No one can ever know for certain why these things happen. One day you have a friend and the next day she's gone.

One thing I do know for certain is that God is in control. It's difficult to accept such a concept, especially with victims so young and lively, but it's truth and gives us hope.

I have spent the last several hours crying, contemplating, praying and in denial.

My body feels the warmth that comes from the sunny 70 degree weather we are experiencing today, but my mind does not comprehend it. There's no sunshine for me today.

I may not have been as close to her as others I know, but it didn't take long for us to be friends. She was just that sweet and fun to be around that it didn't matter how long you'd been friends. She was a friend who lived by the moment. And that moment was inclusive to just about anyone she was with.

Her laugh was infectious, her smile contagious. Her attitude was demanding, and her demeanor intimidating at times. She could sure make a place come alive!

Where, Bethy, have you gone? I can only pray you didn't feel any pain. I can only say, "Lord, you knew her heart better than anyone. The rest I leave in Your hands".

Unmistakable, unnecessary acts of violence. The circumstances bring many, many questions. Why? Where? When? How? What for? Who? Question after question seems to rake through my mind. Never does a thought go by without needing an answer.

Pound on my keyboard! Bang my fist into the wall! Sob? Take comfort in my husband's loving words? Let my son's fingers take my hand as he sees the pain written on my face?

And what about the others? The family? Oh, to grieve over the loss of a child! I won't even imagine. I can't come up with a complete thought. I don't even try.

Words fail.

Time is short. Yup. Life is precious. True. Not even something I can handle right now. It all falls short.

Pray. Yes, that I can do. I will give it to the Lord.