Recently I wrote a blog about the lovely Lori from RRSAHM who was living my worst nightmare – as a result of a tragic accident, her husband was fighting for his life in ICU and she, mother of their two small children, was asking for prayers and love to help her through this toughest of times.
Now, the unfathomable has happened. She is 28 and she is a widow. Her children, aged 4 and 1, have no father. She is a stay at home mum. She has bills to pay, a mortgage to meet and mouths to feed. If you can spare some change, or alternatively donate to an online auction that is being established to raise funds for her future, please click here .
Some may find it bizarre that one could be so affected by the tragedy of someone I only know through the blogosphere. But I’ve been a fan of her witty, honest writing for almost a year and, because the Mummy Blogging world is built on blog posts laced with raw honesty, it does indeed feel like she is a friend. Her candid offerings have long been a favourite of mine to read.
And truthfully, empathy is an amazingly powerful equaller. I cannot help but wonder “what if it were me?”. Like I’ve said in my previous post about this most awful situation, life is a gift, not a given and we could all be minutes away from losing the one we love the most. Morbid, I know, but if it stops you from saying that harsh word in anger to your husband, or to hug your child that little bit tighter when you put them to bed tonight, then its worth it.
I know I looked at my own husband a little differently last night. I couldn’t tell him enough how much he meant to me, and I followed him from room to room like a lovesick puppy. And I smothered Harrison with kisses every chance I got (much to his displeasure), and looked over him as he slept and said a prayer of thanks that my own little family was safe.
So Lori, please know it truly does break my heart when I think of the nightmare you are living and wish you nothing but peace and love as you battle through the quagmire that is grief. I’ve lit a candle for you and held you all in my thoughts and my heart and will continue to do so. Please keep the words flowing – your writing will no doubt be a saviour during these dark days and a balm to your searing soul. Just as the great Shakespeare wrote “Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak whispers the o’er-fraught heart and bids it break.”
A beautiful post! So true, never take our loved ones for granted, anything could change in a minute. xxx
Isn’t it amazing how we all feel like Lori is a friend. Testament to her brilliant honest writing. Lovely post.
We blogging women (and a few men) are a strong bunch. I’ve blogged about Lori too. I’ve never met her, but I know her, and I feel her pain. Thanks for your post, and Lori, know that you have a world of supporters sending you positive vibes, thoughts and prayers. Religion doesn’t matter, what matters is that we care.
Just beautiful Donna. I love that last quote by Shakespeare. I hadn’t heard it before. x
You are so right, I don’t know Lori personally either but have come to learn about her through what she shares and really enjoy her blog posts. That quote is perfect, it almost can’t be spoken out loud it’s so beautiful.
I think you’re speaking for a lot of us, Donna — beautifully written!
Thanks all for the kind words – I only hope Lori is heeding comfort from all our words of hope.
The quote is definitely one of Shakespeare’s best and was so perfect for Lori, I hope it brings her some comfort xx