Tonight my niece lost her dad. She is 17 years old. He was only 38. It was unexpected. It was a medical condition-cardiac arrest and I guess he had a seizure condition. He had step children when he was married and one or two other biological children that are very young (maybe six at the oldest?) He has been around my family for a long time. He was part of my sisters' world in high school and beyond. They probably dated 10 years, though never married. I am sure my sister is going through the whole gammet of emotions tonight.
My niece wasn't in a good place before this happened. She just started her senior year. Halfway through her junior year she was uprooted to a new state. She misses her friends. She is unimpressed with the local journalism program that was her life back in IN. She doesn't get along with her mom, my sister or her stepdad (who does?! my sister is manipulative, selfish, and in an abusive marriage-a tough situation all around). She is living with my mom, her grandma, just a few blocks away from her own mom. She wasn't on good terms with her dad, but it was typical teenage stuff. And now they won't ever have the opportunity to rectify the situation.
Immediately my heart was full of sadness upon hearing the news. Selfishly, at first I thought only of how it would impact my niece-his relationship with her, his financial support, the funeral expenses etc. A million thoughts entered my mind about how she could possibly rise above all the situations going on her life prior to this even happening. It just screams risk factors at such a pivotal time in her life. She doesn't practice any faith at all. It didn't take long to realize this situation is beyond me, it is beyond logic, and that means it must be handed over immediately and fully to God. This is a situation that calls for fervent prayer and trust. Only God can turn the impossible possible. With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, over time, she can respond to this tragedy in a way that results in her being better for it. My husband lost his father at 12. It was life changing, but I credit the man he is to the fact that he has come through that tragedy. And perhaps, with time, he can talk to her about his own situation as only someone can who has been through it.
I am turning to you, much stronger, more faith filled people than I. I beg you to storm heaven with prayers for my niece, that she may come through this. God can turn all things new. Who knows? Maybe this is how she is supposed to finally return home to her Catholic faith.
I am on the journey we are all called to-to accept God's will and perfect love. Whether I am white knuckling it with my eyes shut tight or standing up with my arms outstretched enjoying the ride, I try always to let God be the driver and not bail out the side when there are bumps (like IF!). On good days, I trust He won't run me into a tree. :)
14 comments:
Oh J, I am so sorry. I will pray for your niece tonight. (((Hugs)))
That is very sad. Will offer prayers for your niece in adoration tomorrow.
Oh, we'll be praying. So sorry to hear.
Oh no. How sad and so full of unknowns. I will pray for her and for her father's soul.
Praying!!!
This is so sad. I will pray for her. I am sure God will bring good out of it, somewhere.
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry to hear this sweetie. I will definitely keep your family and especially your niece in my prayers.
Oh no! I'll definitely be praying for her.
You have my prayers.
Oh, dear. I am so sad for your niece. It reminds me alot of the situation my two cousins are in. I will keep her and your family in my prayers.
I'm praying..
I am so sorry for your niece, I went threw a similar situation so I know how hard it must be for her. She and your family are in my prayers. ~
Oh, that is such a tragic situation. I hate it for her and all she's going to have to deal with.
Your sisters family has been through so much lately and now this :( Big prayers to your sister and niece.
Post a Comment