Peace.

I heard that my friend's daughter passed away tonight. Even as her body faded away last year she thought of her family. Where does a child so young find such courage and compassion? Is it all faith? I think such strength of character comes from the love, compassion and character she knew growing up. Her mother has taken such wonderful care of her for so long while keeping her family together and focused on the future. I look at this mother's strength and my own and I come up wanting. When my weaknesses tempt me how can I give in, remembering her devotion to her family?

I hope this family can come together and heal their hearts and souls. I am sure they will as they are bound in love and steadfast in their faith. I am grateful she did not know the pain so many victims must deal with. I shall always be grateful to them for this glimpse of what a family can be.

Bless you all my dear friends. Rest in blessed peace dear child. You live on in the hearts of those who knew you and loved you, and they are legion.

It is warm here but I am cold.

Nova.

A sweet and beautiful star will very soon drop from the sky. She had only seventeen short years to grow and shine, but I feel the world I live in diminished by her passing. In spite of that I feel all people of virtue and goodness are blessed she was here, for like a nova she burned very bright in her short time and bathed all around her in her light and love. As that warmth disperses it makes this world a better place, even for those who never knew this lovely child.

She grew up in a home rich not in material goods but awash in love, faith, and virtue. More than just reflecting this goodness she burned with all these qualities and reached out far beyond her family to touch other lives.

Dear child, I have loved you like a daughter, more than any flesh and blood of my own. Thank you for blessing my life with your shining example of sublime goodness, and please find peace and relief.

Personal note.

Someone precious to me has untreatable brain cancer. I would rather have this myself than see this Angel stricken so. Her mother sent this to me, saying it touched her. She quit her job to care for her daughter full time as she fades, so I understand. I am so grateful for the powerful faith that sustains these people. How do you thank someone for such inspiration and such an example?