Hard Lessons

Today was my office day- typically secluded with a few meetings thrown in here and there- usually pretty uneventful.  But, my second meeting of the day was with someone I've gotten to know throughout the years.  And, sadly, his wife has cancer.  And, today he shared with me that she has three brain tumors and more cancer somewhere else in addition to what she was being treated for.  The tumors are causing her to no longer be able to walk.  It's heartbreaking!  I had been worried about him because I usually see him every week and it had been three weeks.  But, when I saw him he said they just got back from Vegas.  He and his wife, their children and their significant others, and two cousins had all planned a trip awhile back before she got sick.  And, although they had to wheel her around and she got tired easily, what a blessing to have that time together!
I came across a song the other day that reminds me of an old friend.  Although it was at a time when I didn't always make the greatest choices, he was a good friend to me.  And, this friend taught me a hard lesson that I try to live by.  I didn't know then that I would share several lessons I learned from back then with my youth now.  But, I feel that what I went through in my younger days can possibly help someone avoid or get through it today.  So, this friend taught me that life is short.  He was killed when I was 18.  And, from then on, I have tried to live every moment with others as if it might be our last together.  Leaving someone with harsh words left in the air is not something I tend to do because of him. 
And, so then again today I was reminded of how life is short as my friend's wife is dying too young.  And, although there is a better place than here, it's not an easy thing to deal with. 
So, where was God today?  I know He is walking alongside my friend, his wife, and their family.  I just hope they know it.  And, where was He when I was 18?  Walking alongside me and bringing my friend home to Him.
Isaiah 41:9-10
Don't panic. I'm with you.
   There's no need to fear for I'm your God.
I'll give you strength. I'll help you.
   I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.
Blessings,
Jennifer