I had a post all ready to go tonight but it has taken a back seat for now because one of my best friends lost her Dad this morning and I have no idea how to make it all better.
Dear Friend,
You and I have only been friends a reasonably short time but we have shared so much, have loads in common and become quite close, It feels like we’ve known each other for years.
And I hate the fact that we now have another thing in common.
I hate that there are no words. No words that I could speak that would lessen the pain. There is nothing I could do that would ease the ache in your heart and I want to take away the fog that has probably started to descend on you right now. I hate that fog. It’s overwhelming, all-consuming and like a tonne of bricks has been heaped onto your shoulders.
I pray for the enveloping peace of God to cover you and your family now. That you would allow Him to take that burden from you.
There is so much to organise, to plan and to deal with and friend, I want you to know that I am here. I am here when you want to scream, when you want to cry or even if you just want to sit in silence.
I am still here even if you want to shut down and hibernate for a while: But please know that doesn’t mean I will stop checking on you. I will watch you closely but only because I care.
I promise not to be one of those friends that says “Call me if you need anything” as a flippant throw away line with good intentions, because let’s face it: You won’t call. No one ever does. We all hate to have to ask for help. It’s how we are. Instead, I will bless you un-expectantly because you deserve to be looked after.
I also promise not to avoid you like so many people do out of fear of causing offence. To steal a line from another close friend: I come with an apology: I may not always say the right things, I probably won’t always have the right words and I often put my foot in my mouth but I won’t carry on as though there in an elephant in the room that nobody wants to mention.
And in the words of one of my favourite songwriters Neil Finn in Distant Sun:
I don’t pretend to know what you want
But I offer love…..
Love Me x
