Angels
BY M.K. RACINE, KOLN, GERMANY - One can hardly be prepared to learn of the sudden loss of a loved one.
It is hard for a friend to watch one suffer when dealing with such emptiness. For me, I am not sure what is most difficult, being there - feeling there is nothing I can do to truly comfort my friend, or being thousands of miles away, while others do the comforting, and I remain absent.
I was so saddened and shocked to read of the passing of Kondwani, while viewing the website, weeks after his death. Jabbes continues to be the brave, strong individual I’ve always known him to be. To read the thoughts and words of various members of the crew, allows me to grieve with them, but to also feel for them. Members of the crew care for Jabbes, greatly. He is respected and well liked. When such a friend suffers, one cannot help but suffer and ache too. Though I feel limited in what I can offer, from this distance, prayer empowers me to be with each of them.
When I think about Jabbes and such loss, I also think there must be a gain. I now envision two angels by his side. Two brothers meant to be together, meant to be with their father in this way, so no amount of distance can ever separate them. This is a gift not all experience, a gift not all seek to find. I pray this gift offers Jabbes comfort and provides his sons with peace.