The Storm

A storm is coming. It’s time to prepare. Warnings constantly blasting on every news channel, telling us we must get away.

Grocery store shelves are emptying fast. No water to be found. Generators sold out.

How can this be? The storm is a week out.

Beaches erase as the storm moves north, leaving us in shock at the fury and appetite of what's headed our way.

Another storm is at work out of our sight. One not expected at all. One that leaves us frozen in shock and utterly speechless.

A loving, cherished, and adored child is taken too soon. The phone call no mother or father ever wants to receive.

While the storm rages outside and the news quickly spreads to all of those touched by this young man, our darkened rooms suddenly fill with pain and Mother Nature doesn't seem so scary after all.

Now the skies have cleared and trees are being removed. Power is slowly being restored.

While many people are struggling with flooded homes and cars, there is one family whose hearts have been flooded with pain. That tide will never recede.

We will stand close by and help as we can, holding on to precious memories and good times we have shared, watch as the sunrise grabs a new day, knowing there is a new angel smiling from Heaven.

We are quickly reminded of the greatest gift we can give and our most treasured possession, love.

So for those of you still weathering the storm, whatever it may be, hold each other tight; you never know when it might be the last night.

~ In loving memory of Malachy. You will be missed!!