Friday, July 30, 2010

Grief Observed

Elise is taking a biology class this summer. She works in the morning and goes to college from 5:30 - 10:00. Although it makes for a full day and even though she does NOT care for science (she just like her mother!), she has enjoyed getting to know the people in her class. Andrea has been her favorite. She is a 53 year old Black woman who keeps Elise constantly laughing. I know. Andrea called Elise last week and I heard them interact on the phone. They were like typical college girls, complaining about their assignment and gossiping about the "Mr. Mc Dreamy" that is in their class. When I asked Elise who it was that had her laughing non-stop, she told me about Andrea.

Last night the college security knocked on the classroom door and asked to see Andrea. They were there to deliver devastating news. News no one should ever have to hear. Not ever. But especially not in a hallway of a college.

They told Andrea that her 15 year old daughter commited suicide. Elise said she heard the cries of gut-wrenching anguish and ran to the hall to find out what had happened. Andrea was curled up on the floor. The sounds, Elise said, were sounds she never wants to hear again. Such raw pain. Such overwhelming grief.

It has made an impact on Elise. Just minutes before, they were laughing together at the lab table. And Andrea was talking about her daughter Katy. In an instant, in a breath, in a blink, life changed forever for her friend.

Lord, please be with Andrea. Wrap her in Your arms of love and hold her close.

2 comments:

Alice said...

Aw Joey and Elise! What a tragic story! How sad. I will hold Andrea and Elise in my heart and prayers. Andrea sounds like a strong and hopeful woman. And she loves to laugh, a healing and wonderful character trait. She is lucky to have - and will be in need of - Elise as a friend, and Elise is lucky to have you as a mother, and you are lucky to have such a sweet and fun daughter. Carpe diem. Big loving hugs for all of you. xo Alice

nancy said...

How very very sad!!! I will pray for Andrea and also for Elise. Elise might be able to help her friend in a way she never dreamed Sending prayers for all of you!! HUGSxoxoxoxoxoxox