This morning, i found out of my best friends just witnessed his mother pass away from a stroke.   He spent the last 2 weeks at the bedside of his mama, grasping her hand as she fights the final breaths that she's fought hard to survive in this world.   I've grown up with him and his brother Ed, and have seen how much heart and care they have given to their beloved mother and father before their times on earth have passed.   Although i've never been experienced a family death personally, i've been incredibly stunned by these recent events and my heart feels as broken as i can imagine what his must be going through.   There is no price tag or battery operated control on life.   We have absolutely no control of our destiny and decision on when our time on earth is up.    However, through this entire experience,  i can only look up to my friend with courage and admiration on how he must be handling all this.   He has been an incredible son to his parents, a self-less friend to those around him, and a heart filled with compassion for those that are needy.   Yet, we still ask, why do bad things happen to good people?

I believe in a God who never wishes harm and hurt on his creations.   Yet i do understand that God allows suffering in this world because he sees an entirely larger picture that we humans cannot ever comprehend in our 3rd dimension.  God promises each person in Romans 8:28, that in all things, God works for the "good" of those that love him, who have been called directly to his purpose.   I cannot understand now what purpose or good this experience that Collin and Ed are facing, but i can only learn to trust that its got a greater picture that we cannot see at the moment.  Maybe one day, Collin will meet someone in his life that will be experiencing the same pain, and he'll be there to encourage that person.  Maybe he'll have kids one day who will ask about death and pain, and through this experience they will have a life lesson to learn.  Whatever it is, as a friend, i am praying for them and wishing their pain subside quickly.   Pray that they seek the peace in their heart, that his mom has finally reached in her sleep now, and able to join her husband in heaven.   Pray for the community around him to band together and support their grief and pain.   I myself, have been touched just hearing their story and reading his blog, that i need to remind myself to call home more often... and telling my own folks how much i love and respect them.   Life is fragile indeed.   We need to treasure each moment and live it to the fullest.

For more on Collin's blog, read here.   It's worth reading, as i hope you too will be as touched as i was.

Here's the first crack at our wedding pics from the photographer's camera.  Thanks Frank, the images look great! 

http://joyceandanthony.amodophoto.com/