Sadness Today

There are times in a person's life where there is sadness and today is one of them.  Last night my daughter called and told me the sad news that a friend had died.  That special person was Dave Schmidgall.  Let me tell you a little bit about Dave..  When I think of one word to describe this man, I think of kind.  He would do anything for anyone in need.  His exuberant energy was always present and he had the biggest, ever-present smile.  He also could talk about anything and everything and invited everyone to converse with him.  God, his family and friends were an integral part of his life.  That's why I think he was prepared in every way to go to this wonderful place called heaven.

I also think of Janet, Rachel and Martha (his wife and children).  You can never prepare for death as a spouse or child.  Death comes unexpectedly in the night and what do you do as a survivor?  How do you cope with your husband and father suddenly gone?  Going through the grieving process is very difficult but necessary to heal.

Let me explain to you a little bit about grieving.  Grieving is a personal and different experience for everyone. How you grieve depends on your personality and how you cope in life.  It also depends on our faith.  When my husband died, faith, family and friends were so important and got me through the grieving process.  It's still going on and it's been four years.  My point is that there is no timetable for grieving.  It can't be measured in months or years.  I think the most important factor about a person grieving is that as a friend or family member, you must allow the process to happen naturally.

Janet, Rachel and Martha...I shall pray for you and try to help you in any way possible.  You are very special people and will go on as Dave would want you to.  Always remember that love is stronger than death and those loving memories of Dave will always be with you.