Every day people die.
We rarely feel any emotion when we see these stories on the news. Then someone you know becomes one of these news stories. Suddenly it is near impossible to avoid the overwhelming emotion.
So why don't we feel sorrow when a stranger dies? A connection is missing. There is no way to change it. No matter how hard I try to feel connected to a strangers death, the emotion is never quite the same. Why? Why did I cry today over the news of the death of an old acquaintance? We were never close friends. I hadn't even seen him in over 3 years. We went to each others birthday parties as kids. Went to the same church on Sunday's. We were in cub scouts together. We graduated from the same high school together. We had many classes together over the years. But aside from our childhood connections, we weren't ever close.
So why do I cry tonight? Because he was too young? Because of the tragic circumstances of how he died? Because I think of his family mourning? Because life is precious and taken for granted? All of those things are true. But those are things that go through my head when a stranger dies as well.
And yet this seems more painful. These tears are more real. There is a connection that words cannot express.
Life is full of meetings and farewells. We meet thousands of people in a lifetime. Most don't become close friends. Some we know our entire lives and never really know them. But there is somehow a connection made with each person our life crosses paths with. A connection that can't be explained.
I believe each person we meet along the way has a greater impact on our lives then we can ever know. Cherish each person you meet. In some way or another they are a part of your life. And their impact is unexplainably huge. Each of them.
There is a reason I am emotionally hurt over the news of Micah Huggard's death. He touched my life. He taught me valuable lessons that I have reflected on today and more that I am sure I don't even realize. I was blessed to have crossed paths with him in this life. Just as I am blessed with every person who enters my life.
You will be missed Micah. Thank you for your life.
I really enjoyed this post for I felt the same way about the news I heard today. Thank you for posting this. Micah will be missed.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry this death has been a struggle Curtis. But I really appreciate the thoughts you posted! I've found that out of terrible struggle comes great inspiring thoughts, and new realizations... "Life is full of meetings and farewells.... there is somehow a connection made with each person our life crosses paths with. A connection that can't be explained." And a new appreciation for the s i m p l e r things. " Cherish each person you meet." Sorry Curtis, this probably feels more like a critique of sorts lol, but it's not I promise! I just really enjoyed this post. Thanks for sharing and God bless the Huggard's family and friends at this time.
ReplyDeleteThat explains it perfectly, Curtis.
ReplyDeleteThat was really nice to read.
I didn't get to know Micah well at all, since I moved out of our neighborhood when I was 9 years old. But when I heard this story on the news last night, I suddenly remembered being in the Huggard's front room with Mia, scooting our feet around the carpet so we could shock each other - we did this a lot. Micah would get involved too & would just giggle & giggle when he would shock his sister.
It still is a kind of blow to hear this news, even if I didn't really know him. But like you say Curtis, that connection was made because our lives did cross paths.
I pray for his family & friends. I know how hard this must be.
Micah will certainly be missed.