When we lose a loved one, it is so difficult to know where to turn and what to do next. It appears as if the floor beneath us is suddenly gone. On Sunday, Sue Russell shared her grief on losing her Son-in-Law Brian LaVigne. In case you missed it, here is Sue’s Sharing Thoughts on her loss and her family’s loss.
What do you do when tragedy strikes? Out of nowhere your life changes forever. There seems to be no right words of comfort and no way to change things.
Recently, I seem to have lost many people I love. The last being my son-in-law Sgt. Brian R. LaVigne of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The details of this sad event can be found on the internet and in the news media.
I met Brian when he was 17, as was my daughter Cathy. Both were at Lake Mary High School and they sat at the same table in biology class. There was something about Brian I loved from the beginning. He had integrity. I didn’t worry about Cathy if she was with Brian. They married after Cathy graduated from FSU. Brian finished his schooling and he started his police career. They moved to the Tampa area and had two daughters. Brian worked midnight shifts for years, Kathy working days so one of them could always be with their children. Brian coached their soccer teams, and was always ready to take care of his family. Cathy and his children , Caitlin and Erin Liam loved – love their father very much. Caitlin has followed in her father’s footsteps and is a Hillsborough deputy. Erin is a history teacher.
I think what I am trying to say is – here is a good man, someone of integrity who loved his family and took very seriously the oath “to serve and protect.” The question is always, “WHY?” We never have the answer. Some turn away from God at such a time and some towards Him. I choose to turn towards Him – where else can I go? He is God and his words of eternal life are words that have comforted me through many sorrows. Words like, “Be still and know that I am God. “ May they comfort you in your time of need.
- Susan Russell
God’s words comfort us through these periods of loss. They remind us that as Christians we believe that we will see our loved ones again. We are only separated for a short time. But nevertheless, the void we feel when they are no longer with us is large and heavy. Words of hope that came to mind for me are the words of Isaiah 40:31 which I pray will give us all the strength to persevere regardless of what we are facing today. Remember God walks with us in the dark times.
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
May you find peace and comfort in His word!
Enjoy When We Believe