Great Sorrow, Great Joy… All in the Same Day!

I recorded this video, sharing how I felt—a mix of sorrow then joy—in that very moment as we arrived home. Earlier, Geordie and I attended a Celebration of Life for a wonderful doctor we both worked with who was five years younger than me. There were hundreds of grieving people there, all sharing great stories of how he had positively affected their lives. 

One of his close friends arrived late and said to me, "I just delivered a baby." 
The circle of life, all in the same day. His heart was broken losing his friend. And just before, he was present for someone’s greatest moment; delivering a baby and a new life beginning.
Life is like that sometimes, isn’t it? Someone is immersed in grief, sadness,
and devastation while someone else is experiencing the best moment of their lives.
And you could be there for both; laughter, tears, sadness and joy all in the same day!

As we left this Celebration of Life, my heart was heavy. And then we were home and had to prepare to celebrate a birthday. Our twins had decided for the first time that they wanted separate parties. So from grief to happiness, it was time to get ready to greet three girls who were arriving shortly for a sleepover, to celebrate Jadyn’s birthday!

All we can do, as we navigate this journey and find ourselves on emotional roller-coasters
is the best we can do. We need to show up for ourselves, show up for each other,
discover our beliefs about life and death… and sometimes we just have to hold on.

A baby is born, a Celebration of Life, a 12 year old’s birthday party all in the same day.

Some days you will feel great sorrow, great joy,
tears and laughter. Just hold on.

Has life ever been like this for you?