This has been a season of losses. It feels like we have experienced more than the usual share. We've had people come into our lives, and then leave. We've had a number of deaths. People we've come to know move on and away. Is it because the community is so small that even one loss is felt deeply? Is it because the community is remote that moves away feel like connections being severed?
This week in particular, we learned that girl about Amy's age, one that we've come to know suddenly passed away. The family spends the winter away from here, so they are elsewhere. Nevertheless the death touches many families, most who have known one another for much longer than we have.
Things are also different because the circle of friendship extends much more beyond the usual denominational lines that is typical in a larger community. We went to a time of prayer and sharing organized by one of the other families. As much as I tried to offer words and prayers that were common across faith lines, I found that I could simply not avoid forming words that are influenced by my beliefs. I hope that in my efforts to offer words of comfort and encouragement, I didn't confuse, or worse, offend.
A family that we've come to know well are moving away today. While the parents and older boy are doing last-hour preparations, we are watching a couple of the younger ones at our house. And so it is with sadness that we bid farewell.
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