another one goes home

I found out this week that another of my High School class mates has passed away. In the 6 years since we graduated, we have lost 2 of our small class of 21; one, whom i was in school with for 13 years, to a tragic car accident; and the other, whom i only knew for 4 years, to a sudden and unexplained illness. I had not seen either of these friends of mine in more than 3 years at the time of their deaths, but i still hurt. I hurt for the families. i hurt for the friends. i hurt for the fiance that was left behind with no explanation of why he would never marry the love of his life. even now, in this moment, i feel the pain of all those left with no answers. i have the assurance of knowing that i WILL see these two again. even as little as i may have known them, i know they are worshiping eternally in their true home. it leaves me to pray for those i did not know about. the other 18 of my senior class mates whom i am not sure of their relationship with God. it also helps me to appreciate the students i am now teaching. i must be more aware of their spiritual need. not to "save" them, but to introduce them to the Man who has changed my life forever. to give them the same hope that i have in the One who knows us better than ourselves. to show them that they matter on this earth.

welcome home Toby and Melissa.