Friday, January 8, 2010

To Lose A Child

A parent's worst nightmare. Sadly, this morning I learnt of the death of beautiful Olivia, a little girl full of smiles, sunshine and hope, lost in a tragic car accident. News report is here.  I first learnt of it from Sally, which in turn led me to Kate's blog as I just could not believe it was true. I watched her slideshow of all the kids, and my heart broke. Having lived through the loss of a sibling, my only sister, I cannot even come close to comprehending the pain of such a terrible tragedy. I once asked my Mother (Wise Woman 1) how she survived such a devastating loss and as I did not think I could survive or keep my sanity if I lost one of my children. Her answer was "I had to. For you."

In a perfect world this would never have happened, a family should not have to deal with this ever. But it is the real world, and as much as life and love is a part of our existence so is death and grief.



RIP Olivia. You have touched many hearts in your decade of life.








A very sad 

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Losing a loved one has always been my biggest fear and my heart goes out to anyone and everyone that has to go through it...particularly when it is premature. I remember seeing this story on the news. I don't know how parents do it. I will visit the blog...thanks for informing us.

PinkPatentMaryJanes said...

It's just so utterly awful.

Madmother said...

Utterly awful - exactly. I think it makes us do 2 things, reach out to try in some small way help, and realise each day is a gift not to squander. As humans we become complacent, we forget how frail life is, we sweat the small stuff. This is a prompt to make each day special and live life fully.

Unknown said...

Just spent the last ten minutes sobbing on hubby's shoulder over this one. So awful. So senseless. Have to go and hug the kids now.

Anonymous said...

I feel so sad after reading that. I remember reading many of her posts.

It's my biggest fear, to lose a child.

Cathy said...

I agree with your mother. You have to survive or you will just go crazy. Many people say "there's a reason for this tragedy" but after 18 years I still don't know why I survived but my beautiful baby Emma didn't. Bad things just happen and it's totally unfair.

Madmother said...

Ah my friend, I thought of you when I heard of Olivia, but didn't want to make you sad. It is also your story to tell, no-one elses, so I would never presume to mention your beautiful girl without your permission.

Your strength amazes me, and I am so grateful you are still here and in my life.