Thoughts about her following Vivian's funeral
I should have known her better.
I could have known her better, I had the opportunity and passed on it. We both are to blame. If I had gone first she would have been thinking the same thing about me.
From a small service you see much bigger things. The whole of what matters in this life.
I was there not because I knew her well, but because I didn't. Because she was family. God created family for when times are fun and easy and for when it is hard.
Suffering differs so much across time and place. I cannot say I know what you are going through, because I don't. The suffering of the one who lost a sibling is different from my loss. I feel as inadequate in sharing his grief as he did in sharing mine. Nothing I say helps to fill that void, but it is good to know that others are there.
This priest is one acquainted with grief.