Sunflowers

Our most difficult task as a friend is to offer understanding when we don't understand.

  ~Robert Brault

As I come upon the anniversary of losing my friend Tricia, I am yet again reminded that I don't always understand why things happen the way that they do.  It's rather annoying, actually, that I still don't see the purpose or vision in this plan that God has for us.  And as much as I hear, "we may never truly understand..." I still don't have to like it.

Early on in high school I became surrounded by a circle of friends that were tried and true.  We had a saying, "I have the best friends in the whole world," and it is still true today.  Tricia was part of our circle of friends, and I can't tell you how many times we said this saying to one another!  I know I am blessed--blessed to have been so lucky to have these people in my life for so long; blessed to have known certain friends who are no longer with us today; blessed to have had the opportunities I've had because of my circle of friends.  And yet, in the darkness of grief, it is difficult to feel blessed.  

My most favorite flower is the sunflower.  It oozes with happiness and you can't help but smile when you see one.  It grows tall and strong, and always looks to the sun!  When I take the time to visit my many friends and family who have gone before me, I bring them sunflowers.  While I take the time to visit, the sunflowers make me smile when I am feeling the tears of loss.  They brighten my day when needed and remind me to always look to the sunshine.

I really do have the best friends in the whole world!