It's been said that when there are hard circumstances that make you
cry but there is something right in the middle of the situation
(perhaps unexpected kindness or some unforeseen blessing) that makes you
smile in gratitude - the tears you shed are "rainbow tears."
I've had a lot of reason to shed that kind of tears in the last
year and a bit. As most of you know, our daughter Arielle moved "out
West" last summer to make her mark in the world. Things didn't turn out
the way she expected, but there were some wonderful moments,
particularly on September 17 when she had an amazing spiritual
experience that transformed her emotions and melted her lifelong fear of
being alone. But her circumstances were such that she was soon
homeless, living in her car, getting more and more fatigued ... and on
October 22 she had a car accident from falling asleep at the wheel - and
she died.
And then the rainbow tears started happening thick and fast. People
were so. incredibly. kind. Such an outpouring of love and graciousness
that we never expected in our lifetimes, was immediately and
consistently shown to us, lavished on us, healing us. People gave of
their time to sit and listen to us talk. They loved us, prayed for us,
thought about us, told us they thought about us, and those who were able
to do so donated money to either our named charity, to the Gideons, or
to help pay off her final expenses. To each and every one of those
people who reached out to us, we owe a deep debt of gratitude. That love
helped us, made it easier to be who we are, to be honest about our
feelings.
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| Photo "Fountain" courtesy of dan at www.freedigitalphotos.net |
And last night, I found out that a dear friend's child was in a
serious car crash. The young person survived, but the injuries are
severe - potentially life-changing. And the love and outpouring of
caring that was lavished on us is now abounding toward my friend, her
child, and the rest of the family.
I was talking to my friend earlier today. She was saying that she
realized that this must bring back memories (and it does, oh yes!) and
some "why"s.
It's strange but .... I never once entertained that thought. I was
just so grateful that another mom didn't have to bury her child. So
instead of what she expected me to say, I expressed my gratitude. And as
she shared with me what the next days will hold, and what progress has
been made since only two days ago, I was able to show my emotional and
prayer support to her and her family.
And I found myself shedding some more 'rainbow tears.'
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