tragedies always seem most tragic at Christmas.

within the last 24 hours, i have learned of two tragedies.

one, a triplet mum in michigan who died during delivery due to complications. never got to hold her two new daughters and son. http://www.woodtv.com/global/story.asp?S=7527243 amniotic fluid got into the bloodstream.

second, this morning at 7.30 a friend of mine died of cancer. a brave friend who held her husband, son and daughter many times, who had been battling various forms of cancer on and off for years. she used to live in our building, and the family also attended our church. we served on the fellowship ministry team together. odila and i had lunch together with her in late october.

and i also learned that a health scare i had, is for now, dormant.

so here we go...bits of a little poem that i have loved.

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.

Count your health instead of your wealth;
Love your neighbor as much as yourself.

xo

Comments

[Maureen aka Mo (Grandmother)]

Ah honey, I am so sorry to hear about the death of your friend as well as the loss of the new mother of triplets. Thank for your reminding us of those words from that poem.
Much love, M xox

[Dad aka Granddad Blake]

One comment that haunts me is not appropriate to the 2 events you reported but is a cynical comment on human nature " people don't read the writing on the wall until their backs are against it".Not a warm message but one that causes me to look around from time to time to see what me what warnings should be noted.

Love to all....Dad

[knobody]

this is the second triplet mom to die in childbirth that i've read about this week (the other was in las vegas i think). i feel so sad for the fathers who now have to go it alone with three newborns.

my condolences on the loss of your friend. it's never easy, but nice to know she had the chance to say good bye. it doesn't ease the pain now, but will be a cherished memory in years to come.

[commando kiddlet]

hey tess, so sorry to hear about your loss. sending hugs from afar. xox

[Tammy]

Hugs to you, Tess. I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Thank you for the poem. Words we all need to remember.

[Carrie]

So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. Losses seem so much harder this time of year. I hope your heath scare continues to be a non-issue. And to your father, whom I would absoulutely LOVE to meet some day... how absolutely true is your statment sir.
Merry Christmas and all my love to you and your family!
Carrie in Minnesota

[mel]

sad for you Tess, and for those families who have lost moms.
You and your trips are a real miracle story with everyone being so healthy and perfect. Hard to understand Him sometimes but easy to always love Him.