Written September 17th
Last night one of our
parishioners died a sudden violent death. I am grieving as are the
others in our church family. Her passing has left a hole in our
hearts and it is not enough to say that she will be missed. Julie
often referred to us as her church family and I would like to think
that the bond she felt with the members of St. Andrew's brought her
joy.
When I heard the news of
her death this morning, I at first did not believe I had heard the
message correctly. It couldn't be her. I had just given her
communion yesterday. Yesterday she was so full of life. Then, when
it finally sank in, I felt shock, anger, and some guilt. What could
I have done? How could I have intervened?
The grief I feel and the
tears I have shed are important in how we process the loss of a loved
one. This processing has also caused me to reflect on what can be
learned from her shocking death at the hand of her husband who took
his own life as well.
I feel that Julie would
want me to encourage people who believe they are in danger or who's
relationships have become toxic to seek help. Find someone who's
advice you trust or someone who can give you protection. That
person may be your minister, counselor, trusted friend or law
enforcement.
I grieve also for her
husband. I do not pretend to understand the pain he must have been
going through or the personal demons that were tormenting him when he
committed this violent act on her and himself. My prayers are with
them both and their grieving friends and family. Through the mercy
of God, may they rest in peace.
Fr. Fred Steinbach
St. Andrew's Episcopal
Church
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