Randomness

Multiple things are on my mind this weekend.
I am really struggling currently with the question of "WHY?" and the statement "Its not fair!" In the past year, a lot has been going on- not only in my own life but also in the life of my friends and acquaintances.

The most current involves my neighbor from the growing up years. Because she lived across the street and was just one year older than me, it was convenient to have her as a friend. We would play on the swingset, collect those ucky nut things that would fall from the tree for a penny each, we collected a lot of pop cans when Ragbrai (Bike Ride across Iowa) came though our town, and many trips to the swimming pool or bike rides of our own. I remember we used to also build haunted houses in both of our basements! As the years went by, we found other friends, went to different colleges, and lost touch. Because our parents were neighbors I knew what she was up to, where she went to college, that she married a guy from my college... So last night when my dad called to tell me that she was killed in a car accident, I was very upset. She was just one year older than me! I read the article in the paper and apparently a teenager ran a stop sign, hit their car, and pushed it into the other lane where it was hit by a semi. My friend and her husband were both killed after the car rolled and caught on fire. Why? Why did the kid run a stop sign? Why did a semi have to be there at that exact moment? Why? My heart goes out to her parents and family. Life can be lost so unexpectantly.

Another story that still hurts me is my best friend's sister's daughter. She was SO excited to have a baby. She and her husband had been married for awhile and had so much love to give. Everything seemed fine, but when the baby was born, they had to rush her into surgery and she died just 8 hours later. Why? I just can't understand.

The final life situation regards more of an acquaintance. He was/is a friend from camp (we attended the same week with a class for 5 years!) They had their first baby about the same time we had A. Their baby was premature and though she is doing well, she does have some health problems. Three months ago they had a son. They recently discovered he too is having some difficulties and the doctors told them he will probably only live 3 more months. I am overwhelmed with my insides twisting in pain. WHY?

Thankfully all three families believe in God and really hold to Him during this difficult time. I only pray that if I am given a situation like this that I, too will be able to cling to Him during that time. Perhaps someday it will be made clear why people must leave this world before I feel that it is their time. Obviously God knows, but it would be helpful if we could see the big picture he sees. I think what is also hard is that all of these people are somewhat distant from me. I do not know how to offer help. All that I can do is pray- pray that He gives them comfort. I realize I need to live each day fully. I will gladly stop worrying about a clean house but more importantly, I need to treasure and enjoy my times with A. Before long she will be growing up and NOT wanting to play, "Mommy Baby Game" or "dance, mom, DANCE with me!" Time goes by so fast. I hope I can really appreciate and enjoy every moment this summer when I am with her all day, every day!