Must Let It Go

It's been a week now since the plane crash. It was probably the worst week, emotionally and mentally, that I can remember.

Saturday I attended a memorial for my friend's husband that was heartbreaking. I sat a couple of rows behind the family; seeing her back shake in silent sobs as she clung to her two crying children was not a sight that I'm going to forget anytime soon. I am grateful that she was willing to have a memorial here knowing full well that she's going to have to go through it all again (probably several more times) in Norway. I got to give her a hug and say goodbye; I really needed to do that.

Yesterday she invited a few of her son's best friends over for a little while to play outside with her son before they left for the airport. Juan Carlos cried a lot. He's going to miss his friend.

As I was preparing the little treat bags for the kids for their journey home, Margarita asked if she could include a card. Here it is:



"Hi, I'm very sorry about what happened. Everyone will miss you. Try to be happy and remember that your dad is still your dad and that he loves you very much! Be happy, smile a lot, laugh even more! Have fun back in Norway. We are ALL going to miss you. From: Margarita"

Makes me cry every time I read it.

But, it's a new week. My friend is gone. There is nothing I can do for them now other than continue to pray that they'll have the strength and comfort they need to get through the coming days, weeks, and months and that there will be good people that will lift them up until they are stronger.

I have to let it go.

Thank you to all of you who left kind comments, and to those of you who sent me emails during the week. It helped a lot. And, of course, to my mom, who spent a lot of time crying with me on the phone.

I just now kissed Guapo on his way out the door to catch a flight to the States for the week. I hugged him a little harder and held on a little longer than normal, but I will not live in fear. I will live remembering that each day is a gift, that most of the stuff I worry about isn't important, and that I need to cherish the time that I have with those whom I love.

Enough.

Next time I'll show you how I organize my kids school work, ok? Try to get things back to normal around here. :)