For those who weep

Having lost a friend this week to sudden and unsuspected death, I've come to the conclusion that there are no human words to comfort the surviving spouse who has lost a beloved family member. The friend and his surviving wife live in a community other than mine so I've attempted to compose the words through blurry, tear filled eyes, I've felt the ache in envisioning myself being in the survivor's situation; my words have been written, sealed, stamped and sent. But it's not over for me with this friend in pain. That is not to say that I'm on-the-spot with casseroles and tissues, it means I remember daily and pray that God is the on-the-spot presence for my friend. I say "daily" but last night as I wakened for no reason, I felt pretty sure that if no drugs were involved, my friend was most likely awake weeping. Weeping without relief for her loss....I tossed, turned and prayerbook words rang truer than ever for my own consolation and for that of my friend.....

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch,
or weep this night,
and give your angels charge over those who sleep.
Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying,
soothe the suffering,
pity the afflicted, shield the joyous; and all for your love's sake.
Amen*

Please remember my friend and her family in your own prayers.


*From The (Episcopal) Book of Common Prayer, service of Compline