Thursday, March 10, 2011

Joys and Sorrows

My birthday was quite wonderful. The Painted Ladies gave me great art gifts – a set of Kolinsky brushes, Arches watercolor paper, a book on lighthouses, and a few other things. They made lunch and brought a cake, although Jesse had made me my favorite pound cake. They also brought some flowers of sorts. Jesse took a picture and posted them on her blog. Jesse and Toby made supper for me, which made my day easier and was a wonderful surprise. Jesse gave me a gift certificate to my favorite clothes store. My GGs called and sang "Happy Buthday. I got lots of birthday well wishes on FB – some from friends whom I had not heard from for a while. I know FB has lots of negatives, but keeping up with old friends is a real plus. My sister is going to be in WF later this afternoon. Jesse and I are going to meet her there and spend the night with Mom. It will be kind of a girl’s night. I’m really looking forward to the time with them.

This morning I’m doing something not fun at all. I’m attending a graveside funeral of a three-month-old baby boy – the son of a young couple we know well – the grandson of close friends. SIDS was the apparent cause of death. The whole thing is heartbreaking. I have no words.

Yesterday another good friend of mine told me about seeing a sonogram of her first grandbaby. My friend described the how the baby had his little fists up near his face and then stretched and yawned, how she could see his spine and the chambers of his heart - she was awed. Her son and DIL have been married for twelve years and not been able to have babies. Now they are pregnant and everyone is thrilled.

Maybe we would not be appreciative of the blessings and know real joy without such great sorrows in life.

6 comments:

Deb said...

Lou, I've been to a funeral for a child that passed of SIDS, they're never easy and your heart breaks for the parents. Condolences.

Bag Blog said...

Thanks Deb. Going to the funeral was not something I wanted to do, certainly not easy, but something that needed to be done.

Buck said...

My condolences to your friends. The death of a child is heartbreak of the most terrible sort.

I'm glad your b'day went well! You're much loved, Dear Lady.

Bag Blog said...

Thanks Buck. You are much appreciated.

Amanda said...

You're right. "Heartbreaking" is the only word for a thing like this. However, I find your final paragraph true and insightful and moving. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

... you are certainly right about the appreciating aspect..... but still, I am sad that you had to go to such a funeral....... babies are meant to live, not die......

.... my condolences to the family..... and my sympathy for you as well....

Eric