Tears

The first, nearly ten years ago, had a heart defect. 

The second, less than a year ago, suffered an accidental overdose. 

The third, the one to whom I was closest and who was, in fact, a distant cousin, succumbed to complications from cancer just before Thanksgiving, leaving two small children. 

Lastly, in the wee hours of this morning, a car carrying my childhood friend and four others went off a bridge and into a creek.  Four escaped the car and survived.  My friend did not.

These four women were all of my high school graduating class and, at just 31 myself, I sometimes have difficulty with the fact that they are no longer with us less than 14 years since that graduation.  How is it that ones so young are already gone?

But I am reminded that we are all in the same fragile state.  None of us has the promise of tomorrow.  Though sad at this loss, I am also grateful.  I am grateful for the memories I have of each of these ladies when we were all carefree girls.  Most of all, though, I am grateful for God's amazing gift of eternal life through His Son.  I can know that no matter how long my life may last, even if I don't see tomorrow, I have a glorious eternity with God in Heaven coming and when I'm there, the tears will all be wiped away.