There’s a real happy vibe in our home.
Recently I was alerted to a young man who had taken his own life only about a year after the passing of his mother.
As I was told the news the sweet lady sharing the news said, “I get it. It makes sense. He lost his Mom. That could destroy anyone’s life.”
I was saddened to hear the news. Then shocked at the reason given. Then scared. Why scared?
Only a few years ago… MY wife had died… leaving me with 6 kids.
“I get it? It makes sense? MY kids lost THIER mom. Is it destroying THEIR life?”
Time for action.
Later that day as I drove with my 15-year-old son Jack, we discussed what had happened and how he was doing.
After much heartfelt discussion, he said something that made me tear up.
Jack said, “I get it, but that’s not who we are, Dad. We’re not living in the sadness. We’re living the happy lives Mom would want us to live. And…”
“There’s a real happy vibe in our home.”
Over the next few days as I discussed with each of my kids what had happened and how EACH OF THEM were doing, Jack’s approach and feelings were confirmed over and over by each of our kids.
I’m so grateful for the spirit that Shelly created in our home. I am so grateful that they… are Shelly’s kids. And I am so grateful they (and I) know we will be with her again.
In our family we have DECIDED…
“It’s not the tragedy that will defines us. It is our response.”
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