a terrible loss

Yesterday a little neighborhood boy lost his long and brave battle with cancer. We have all dreaded this moment, but knew it was eminent. I am broken hearted for his family, who I know are in such terrible pain right now. I am broken hearted for his friends, trying to make sense of something terrifying. I am broken hearted for every parent that has lost a child - I simply cannot imagine it - and every parent like myself who is thinking this hits just a little too close to home. I have lost dear friends and acquaintances and family members over the years, and it is always crushing and impossible to believe. But when death takes a child... it makes your very soul cry with anguish. My comfort is that I know this sweet boy is finally free from his earthly struggle, finally at peace, finally on the other side, in a better place. I am so relieved his body is no longer suffering. I know within my heart his flame still burns, and his spirit still lives. I know he is at this very moment, enveloped in loving, welcoming arms.