Oklahoma Tragedy.

Hey Guys and Dolls!
   
     The Oklahoma tornado is very much on our minds I'm sure.  All those people whose lives have been shattered makes me really appreciate what I have.  My heart goes out most of all though, to the parents of the children who are now in heaven.  Those of us who have experienced the loss of a child are the only ones who know what they are going through.  Their pain cannot be imagined by anyone who has not had the experience.  It can arguably best be described as feeling as though your heart has been savagely ripped from your body and shredded.  Their pain will never go away, it will only lessen over time - a very long time.  In the future when they speak of their lost ones, they will be able to smile through the tears, but the tears will still come.  They will take their solace in knowing that their babies are in heaven and that they have reached their reward, way too soon in our time, but in God's time.

     But right now, that truth doesn't mean a damn thing.  It's only unbelievable pain.  If you know any of these people and you encounter them, you think you won't know what to say.  Here is what you tell them. If you knew the child and can think of something positive, then say it, such as "She/He was always such a happy girl/boy" or "I remember the picnic (or other event) when she/he looked so cute in the sack race (watermelon eating contest- whatever it was)"  

     If you didn't know the child say to them "I am so sorry for the loss of "child's name".  If you don't know the name or can't remember then say "I am so sorry for your loss."  DO NOT say anything like "he/she is in a better place." "Well, thank goodness you have other children." or ANYTHING else to try and comfort them.  DO NOT tell them a story about someone you have lost or that your second cousin's daughter's boyfriend's mother lost a child.  THEY DON'T CARE!  There is NOTHING that you or anyone else can say that will comfort them or make them feel better!  Just express sympathy, and that is ALL!

     If you say something stupid like the examples above, if they even hear you, they will think you are an idiot and they will be right.

Take care of each other and be safe!