Somewhere Over the Rainbow...

As I sit down to write this, I am absolutely brokenhearted and at a complete loss for words - with no clue of where to even begin.  But I am hoping that as I put pen to paper, I will find something to say to convey my heart, and to let a dear friend know that she is all I can think about, that she is in my prayers every minute of everyday.

I am a Christian.  I believe in God, with all of my heart, with all of my being.  And yet sometimes, I don't understand.  I question.  I ask why.  I am confused.  

Now is one of those times.

This past weekend, a dear friend went through something unimaginable.  Something so incredibly tragic, something so unfathomable.

The news left us all in such a state of despair... her closest friends gathered by her side, not leaving her alone for a single minute.

And since hearing the news, I have walked around with a hole in my heart, a hole for my sweet friend and the tragedy she is experiencing.  I have prayed, and cried, and questioned, and wondered... and prayed, and cried.

...

On Saturday evening, as T and I were driving home, we saw the most beautiful double rainbow I have ever seen.  It was perfectly complete, from one side to the other.  And it was right over the hospital, where my dear friend had just proven she was one of the strongest people I have ever met.  I knew right then and there that that rainbow, that incredible, beautiful, perfect rainbow... it was for her.  It was God.  And while we may not understand, while we may question and wonder and cry and worry... He is here.

I will continue to mourn for my friend, and pray with all my might for peace for her and her family - and I will also continue to be in awe of her, forever remembering her heart and knowing that every rainbow I ever come across is for her, is a reminder of her grace and strength and oh so beautiful heart.

So please, pray for my friend.  Pray for her with all you've got, wrap her in thoughts of peace and love and comfort - my hope is that she will be blanketed with so many prayers, with so much love and support that she never, ever feels alone in this.

...

I don't have the right words to say to you, but I can promise you that I will spend a moment of everyday of the rest of my life thinking of you and your family, praying that I can be half the mama, half the woman, half as strong as you are.
There are people you come across in your life who leave an impact that lasts forever.  You are one of those people, and have been since the moment I met you.  You've always made me feel at home, so welcome, so sweet, with one of the most genuine hearts and kindest spirits I've ever known.  And now, your grace and strength and faith and heart are like that rainbow - seemingly perfect, incomprehensible, awe-inspiring, and absolutely incredible.
For you, and for O...
Somewhere Over the Rainbow

<3

Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."