Words failed me. Shock shook me. Sympathy filled me. But it was the knowledge that a member of our body, our church, had been taken so brutally away that seared me. I know her daughter you know? We grew up together in sunday school. We've never been close but I know her. I've seen her mom, smiled at her even. She was a prominent figure in sunday school and ministry....and now she's gone....
I don't know either of them very well but yet my heart still aches and tears still stream. I was sobbing after reading this especially. The rain is pouring down today. Their having the first part of the funeral today too. Is God mourning for the pain of the family as they mourn for the one He took away? Why Lord, why? The church is in tears, her family in pain. God, what was the purpose of this?
Just that very morning, I had a rare dim sum breakfast outing with my family (minus the brother cause he went for a sleepover) and on the way back the radio was playing Rob Thomas's "Little wonders" from the movie Meet The Robinsons. I got so attached to it. Later that day, upon hearing the news, the lyrics meant so much more. It became a reminder to treasure what we have, an encouragement that life moves on and moments in time will always be precious.
"Our lives are made in these small hours, these little wonders, these twists & turns of fate. Time falls away, but these small hours, these small hours still remain."
Aunty Irene, you will always be remembered especially by those whose lives you've impacted. Your life was a testimony of love and kindness. Your sacrifice will be hero's story of true sacrifice. Your light has lit the way for so many of us, even ones who weren't close to you. Even in death you continue to inspire others. I would think perhaps there are little wonders even in such cruel circumstances, maybe it would be your tragic passing that would open the eyes of the hearts around, maybe it would inspire people to cherish their families more, maybe it would wake the eyes of Malaysians to vote for a safer Malaysia in the coming elections. Who knows? As a Christian, you've been a beacon of light to me especially now that you're gone. You have always been a shining example, always will be.
