November 10

November 10 is a day that holds a special place in my heart. It is my good friend's birthday today. Sadly, it is also the birthday of her first-born son who was tragically killed in a car accident just over a year ago. He would have been three years old today. This is, by far, the most heart-wrenching happening in my life to date. It hit me hard for a couple of reasons: My friend just happens to be a God-loving Christian-a wonderful person who wanted nothing more out of life than to be a mother. For this to happen to her was beyond my comprehension. How could God have let this happen? The second reason this affected me so deeply is because my son was only 14 months old when it happened. Not too much younger than the tender age her son was, 22 months, when his life was cut so short. I still think about it every day. You could be driving to a Labor Day picnic and the next thing you know, someone who was speeding has hit your car. And then your child is gone from this world. Just like that. It has forever changed who I am as both a mother and a friend.
I think about her and her family every single day. But on this day, my thoughts are kicked into overdrive and my heart is so heavy it almost hurts. With two other small children (baby boy, who survived the car accident, is now 1-1/2; and baby girl was born just a couple of months ago), my friend has no choice but to continue living life. I thank God that she has these other two children. Without them, I fear she and her husband would be lost souls.
Just recently, my friend and I have started communicating more again. She was so out of touch for a while after the accident. Understandably so, and I did not know how to handle such a delicate situation. I just let her know that I was there whenever she needed me. I would call and send messages, most with no response. And that was OK.
I am delighted to hear from her more, and we even hit the road to visit her and the new baby a couple of weeks ago. She seems to be doing great. I worry, though, how this day will affect her. Her birthday will never be the same again. It will no longer be a day of celebration, but a day of memories and could have beens. I pray that she finds the solace and comfort needed on this day. Time will make it easier, but it will never go away.
I know that little Angel is smiling down on his mommy today. Happy birthday to one sweet angel in heaven and one here, on Earth.