Grief

This past week has been emotionally draining.  I had the misfortune of having to say good-bye to a dear friend.  Although I know I will see her again in our heavenly home, it is hard knowing I will no longer see her again in our earthly home.

Linda was a sweet, kind, loving, and very accepting fellow music therapy student.  We had almost all of our classes together, including studio, where we studied voice under the same teacher.  She was also a non-traditional student that decided to pursue her passion of music later in life.

I will never forget the talks we had.  We shared laughs, stories about our children, relished the memories of our time working with preschoolers, and constantly encouraged one another throughout the difficult school days and lessons of music. Mostly, we shared a love for Christ.  Our best conversations were talking about the goodness of God.

Because she was taken so suddenly from us, I have had to really take time to process this grief.  Her smile is etched in my memory, I can still see her walking down the hallways, and I remember every spot where she sat in our classrooms.  The nights have been restless because she is there and I long for sleep again.  I cannot remember a time I so eagerly wanted to be away from the music building. 

My friends and professors at school have truly bonded and become more of a family over this tragic experience.  There have been lots of tears, lots of hugs, and lots of love shared this past week.  I am extremely appreciative of the people of TWU.

Thankfully, Spring Break is here.  As I drove away from school today, I said one last good-bye to my dear friend.  After having time off, I know when I return, it will be to all the happy memories we shared and I will no longer be haunted by them.  And I will finally have the peace that I know she is experiencing right now in the presence of Jesus.