Northern Reflections Pt 1 - Facing the Loss of Loved Ones

 Earlier this summer I read a delightful book of reflections by Desmond Carroll, an Anglican priest (Irish by birth) in Canada's Arctic.  The book also contains original painting-illustrations by Ted Harrison, a renowned Canadian artist.  I'd like to share just a few of Carroll's words of wisdom:

The Loss of a Companion

Someone has died.  The one who died was a young man, still growing into maturity, knowing the responsibilities of husband and father - life stretching before him, with that sense of immortality which can be so deceptive.

All this has gone and the family that once felt its oneness and completeness, is fragmented and shattered.

A friend has left us, a companion has died; we sense the disappointment and the sadness and yet we confront a mystery that is ever present.  In the silent moments we begin to glance at those who share our pilgrimage, and reach out to touch and be touched by our other companions who will share our burdens and sorrows.  We experience the fellowship of the Spirit that heals and binds together as the journey of life is continued.

The human race is not immortal, so why should death come as such a surprise and catch us so unawares? ...

For the ones that remain, especially one who has been chosen as a life companion, the time is confusing and there is a grasping for that which gives meaning.  Ancient words, borne towards us by our spiritual roots and traditions, sound true as they confront the reality of life.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want ... yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ... For thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. (Psalm 23)

Somehow, what has been up to this time a private world, begins to be transformed into a world which is universal and timeless. ... We do not hide our sadness in the sands of religious ritual, but rather our faith gives us strength to face the emptiness that death brings, and to grasp, at least initially in some small way, that life shared with God transcends time and space.

Carroll, Northern Reflections (pp. 36-37)