Random Thoughts

Life has been a bit difficult lately. I won't use this as a forum for whining though. I went to an event today that really opened my eyes to the fact that I have a VERY blessed life. The event was the "coming home celebration" of an acquaintance's 22 year old daughter who passed away last week after tremendous life struggles and a battle with cancer. This beautiful young lady leaves behind two gorgeous daughters ages 3 and 8 in the care of their loving grandparents.
Now, I have known the young lady's mother for years, but had never met the daughter; she had been a lost soul and not in her family's life except when she needed help with the care of the babies.
Upon moving back to the area, the acquaintance quickly filled me in on her life since the last time I'd seen her (it had been 8 years); part of her turmoil was her daughter being in drug rehabilitation for 18 months and leaving the kids with her. Thoughts of that moment have come rushing back to me after the service today and I don't like them. I was judgemental and uncaring and it is sad for me to say that I couldn't wait to get done with the conversation because it was "bringing me down".
Well, when I finally met this young lady when she had finished her rehab, I was amazed at the light I saw in her. She wanted to be a better person and a good role model for her two young children. I can only imagine the strength that girl had to come back with her head held high and a big smile on her face as if to say, "I'm back and I'm here to stay". And the brief times I was able to interact with her one on one...she was funny and had me laughing while we talked about our kids (my Caroline is about her littlest's age).
This whole situation has made me reflect on death, and I'm not afraid to die by any means, what saddens me deeply is the thought of those I will leave behind and how they will handle it. I'm amazed at the grace and peace with which this young lady's family is accepting the situation. My acquaintance has such a close relationship with Jesus, that she swears He is getting her through this time; her daughter has gone "Home" to be with the Holy Father and is finally at peace.
So... I will look a bit differently a the trials that are put before me and face them head on; I might conquer them or I might fail, but I refuse to wallow.