I didn't stop reading because I disagreed with her; I stopped reading because she started listing all the places her baby wouldn't be, and I did agree with her.
Grief is incredibly personal; I am in no way redirecting the author. I personally just cannot try to compare the good and the evil; that's not why I look for "one good thing". I look for something good because it's how I stay out of the ICU room where I left Taylor hooked up to machines that breathed for her, monitored her heartbeat and the pressure in the arteries leading to her brain. Looking for the good stops the noises sometimes for a day or more, sometimes for a few hours. Looking for the good doesn't make missing Taylor any easier. Nothing does that.
If I don't look for light, we would be surrounded by darkness. I don't always find it, but not because it's not there. Sometimes, I'm just so tired I lack the energy to reflect or write. Monday night was one of those nights. However, when the sunshine broke through the November grey today, I remembered a text from my friend's daughter.
Riley is a junior at Jenks High School. Julie and I never found a good time for our girls to meet so we rectified that and introduced Riley to Wade. Thankfully, they are fast friends. Riley, thoughtful and open. wasted no time in befriending me as well. She helps me make fun of her mother and I remind her she needs to read to improve her ACT score. Riley is one of those kids who is a wise soul. On Monday, Riley sent me a text and a picture.
We should have let the girls play. We should have made the time to share our kids; there was always going to be another time. Taylor would have loved you, Riley. She would have loved your commitment to your team; your love for teaching young girls how to ride, the simple ways you irritate your mother. I am sorry I didn't share her with you but I am so thankful your mama shares you with me.
#golighttheworld Riley girl (and go Union beat Jenks!)
Matthew 5:14-16 You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.