It's been one of those days. I was already in a "mood" when I got home from work and by the time Phil walked through the door, I'd already begun to unleash on him, complaining and venting about my day without so much as a pause to come up for air. Selfish? Yes (just keeping it real).
Always the attentive listener, he was my sounding board and validated me where I needed validating, consoled me where I needed consoling and then gave me a hug and a dose of positivity because he knew how much I needed it. And after I'd stopped talking long enough to really look at my husband, I noticed him staring off into the distance with a vacant expression on his face. I asked him what was wrong and then I got this:
"Troy didn't make it."
There I was, being all dramatic and selfish and SO not "Living Aloha" and our friend had just left us. He fought for four long days and left only when he was sure his wife and three young boys were surrounded by friends and family...and that they would be ok. They will be--this I know for sure--because we have an amazing network of friends who have nothing but love for this family.
I am so saddened by this loss and just heartbroken for C and her boys. I don't know that I'd even be able to function if I were to lose Phil---but the idea of having three young boys to be strong for? I can't even fathom.
Death is an unforgiving teacher; there are lessons to be learned whether you are ready or not, and these lessons aren't limited to just those affected firsthand. We can all stand to learn something from this life-experience. And tonight, I am reminded of this. Nothing matters more than the people in our lives; nothing matters more in this lifetime than family.
I will hug my husband tighter and tell him I love him another twenty times before the night is over. I will tell my family and friends just how much they mean to me and I will be grateful for all that I have...every last bit (even the parts that make me want to come home and vent to my husband).

I'm sorry to hear of your loss Angie, you and Phil are in my thoughts today.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear that. I'll be praying for both you and Phil, as well as Troy's family.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry you lost your friend... I'm crying right now. :( I needed to hear this reminder, though, so thank you writing it Angie.
ReplyDeleteOh Angie, I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. May he always watch over his family and friends.
ReplyDeleteSO sorry to hear this Angie :-( I did the same thing last night.. one minute I was smiling happy thinking about how much I love everything, then 1 small thing set me off and I unleashed on someone who didn't deserve it and ended up crying myself to sleep. And I'm mad at myself for it, because I know better! But we are human. At least we are aware of all we have to be grateful for even when we do get caught up in the moment and act how we did.
ReplyDelete<3 you.
Oh Angie :( I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I will keep everyone in my prayers love...Sending you a big hug today. Xoxoxo.
ReplyDeleteso sorry for your loss once again! life is too tough and i cannot bear the pain! it's something i worry about each day and as the days go by, i simply remember that one day my babe or children could no longer be with me! heartbreaking and a life lesson was learned. here to chat babe!:) xoxo
ReplyDeleteAngie I am so sorry for your loss. Love with reckless abandon, I need to remember that. Love ya girl
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort from Him who has felt all our pains and suffering and the peace the Spirit can bring during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteOH gosh Ang, I'm so sorry!! I don't know how your friend will stay strong for her boys but what a comfort to know she's surrounded by so many people who love her and are there to help her. My heart goes out to her.
ReplyDeleteOh Angie, I'm so sorry to hear this. Please send my deepest condolences to Troy's family. You are all in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for your loss. I will hug my husband a little tighter tonight as well.....
ReplyDeleteAngie, I am so sorry for your (and your husbands) loss. You both will be in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me feel grateful for Brian, how much he means to me, and how lucky we are. I'll be hugging him a little tighter tonight also.
If you ever need to talk just email me.
Sorry for your loss Angie. As you know my best friends daughter died two weeks ago in a car accident so I understand and your in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss Angie. My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss - that's so hard. Your post is beautifully written and I love that you're taking positive lessons from the loss of Troy.
ReplyDeleteAngie, I'm so sad to read this. Last night as I was going to bed, I specifically prayed for Troy and his family, and you...and all of his friends. Sending you lots more prayers and hugs and loving thoughts tonight. xo.
ReplyDeleteAngie, I hate this so much for you and Phil and all of your friends. I know there's really nothing to say that makes things better but just know that you guys are always present in my thoughts and my prayers. Many hugs to you friend!
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew what to say:-( All I can think of is that I am sorry and will continue to pray for you all...
ReplyDeleteOh Ang, I am so sorry to hear this...sending many hugs your way, love you so much!
ReplyDeleteI'm SO sorry to hear about Troy. I just read this post to my husband and we hugged. Troy and his family will be in my prayers tonight.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you and Phil, too....
SO sorry to hear about the loss of a friend. I will definitely keep his family and yours in my prayers! Praying for God's peace on everyone!
ReplyDelete