Day 9 in NoJoMo13

Off topic again today.

Tha past ten day has been unusually sad for many people I know and love. I don't know what is happening in the universe but death is coming swiftly and taking young lives and leaving behind grieving souls. A large number of my close friends from relay are grieving the loss of another cancer warrior, Natalie Hill. At 17 she lived more than some do in an entire lifetime. The memories of her are all they have left now and it's a crushing loss for them. I did not know her. My friend Bruce got news of the death of a childhood friend this week. He counsels the grieving, it's part of his job. Knowing he is on the other side of that fence right now makes me sad for him. My teammate and fellow slowpoke is in the hospital today. Thursday night she fractured her tibia and tore her meniscus. 6 months of no running. My heart breaks for her. I am thankful she came through surgery last night with flying colors. It is one of those difficult things in life, to witness those you love hurting. To know that you cannot fix the problem and take their pain away. It has made me recognize that to love is to grieve. There is no shame in it. I guess being that it is November and a time to reflect on all we are thankful for, I would say I am thankful I am able to grieve along side so many, it means I am blessed to love many. I may not see my friends every day or even every weekend or month. They are going about their own lives just as I am, I know that at a moments notice they are all there for me, just as I am for them. I am lucky.