I watched someone I know approach her angel's birthday in fear and trepidation and then have that day fulfill every fear and every expectation for a terrible day. I saw her pain, her celebration of that child's life through pictures, and above all, the inclusion of others through an invitation to celebrate her little girl's birthday through a joint birthday party. It was a beautiful, heart-rending thing. Few things bring back the pain more than birthdays and angelversaries, the day on which the angel got his/her wings.
I saw all of this from a distance, but my heart ached as I knew at least a part of the pain that family was undergoing. Each person's loss is unique, and each person's grief hurts in a unique way. At the same time, there's a unity in grief. Those who have been through it know what it is to be in the empty arms club, to feel those empty arms and long for one person alone to fill them.
It warmed my heart to join in the outpouring of love and support for this family. I know nothing will make that pain any less except time and the healing touch of Jesus Christ. But I also know few things help more than love, support, and prayers when days like this come with their accompanying sense of pain and renewed loss. It brings me peace knowing they're getting that support they need. I wish there was anything any of us could do to make that pain go away. But it helps to know there are people supporting for you, pulling for you, standing by when these painful days come. And that's what makes these days survivable.
