day fifty-one: strangely sacred

One of my close friends is Samoan, so while we were out having breakfast this morning I had to ask her about the recent tsunami and earthquake, and if her family was all safe there in her homeland. Luckily they live up in the hills, so the water was not a problem for them. The earthquake did have an effect, but it was structures that were hurt, not family members.

However, she said that the old ladies in her village who went daily into town on a bus to participate in a craft market were sadly swept away by the water as it carried the bus off. I was heart-broken as I had the image in my mind of old women dying in such a dramatic way. But my friend said that when they found their bodies they were all together, leaning on each other in a group. It was a sacred moment, to be together when they left, she said. And I realized she was right.

10 comments

LisAway | October 9, 2009 at 5:28 AM

What a sad but beautiful story. How much more peaceful a way to go than to be drifting on your own.

Connie | October 9, 2009 at 6:56 AM

It is sad for their family members who are left behind, but imagine the reunion they had with loved ones who were waiting for them - and all together at that!
Those ladies really are BFF!

Midge | October 9, 2009 at 7:49 AM

Goosebumps and tears. Thanks for sharing that.

Lara Neves | October 9, 2009 at 8:11 AM

Wow. That is so sad, but I'm so happy they all went together like that. Amazing.

Barbaloot | October 9, 2009 at 8:39 AM

Wow-that is terribly sad, but I hope they were able to take comfort in begin together at the end.

Luann | October 9, 2009 at 8:55 AM

Amazing. If I were an old widow, I wouldn't be seeking death, but I would feel blessed to have my arms entwined around my best friends at the end. Sisters in Zion.

Kimberly Vanderhorst | October 9, 2009 at 9:52 AM

There's something about that that really speaks to my heart. They must have eased the terror in each other's hearts as they clung to each other for support.

We can do that...here and now...make sure no one is weathering the storms of life alone.

Sad, beautiful, and thought-provoking. Thank you so much for sharing that.

Dedee | October 9, 2009 at 9:57 AM

That is a beautiful story and I echo Kim's comment that this is how it should be, even while we live.

wendy | October 9, 2009 at 6:50 PM

Oh man, I don't even have a comment for that ----I am just wiping away a tear

April | October 9, 2009 at 11:44 PM

Oh my gosh....this just brought a rush of emotion and tears. The strength of having such good friends.