One of Liam's classmates' mom passed away from cancer last week. I didn't know her very well, but of course in a small school you still feel connected through the kids and community. I knew her cancer had returned last summer and that she had been sick eight years previous and had beat it. One of the other moms that I do know better had organized providing meals to the family in which we participated, wanting to help in at least some small way. I knew she had a boy in grade four with Liam and another five year old son in kindergarten. I just found out she only turned 40 years old in August.
Liam's class was invited to her service on Friday to which Liam wanted to go. I went with him to support him, his other classmates and teachers. All funerals are obviously sad even if it is a celebration of the person's life. In her 40 years, I learned that she had a good one filled with happiness, fun, spontaneity and love for her family and friends. She lived.
During one of the eulogies, her youngest started to cry. It was the most heart-breaking sound in that church. Up until then, I was sad, but not teary. Watching and hearing him crying for his mom crushed me. Thankfully my friend next to me brought tissues.
Liam asked me how and why she got cancer? How do you explain to a barely 10 year old why someone gets this horrible disease, especially someone so young? He's a pretty thoughtful boy and said that even though his friend hasn't said much about his mom, he will be sad and miss her - especially on his wedding day. She had too many things left to see and do with those boys.
Life is short and sometimes unfair. Our time is unknown so I am trying to live mine enjoying the days and moments with my family and friends. Our connections are what's important. I've learned that.
