In Loving Memory

Paige Elizabeth Keely (May 24, 2011-January 8, 2018)

On January 8, 2018 we unexpectedly lost someone we love very much.  Her name is Paige but she was affectionately known as “Paigey Bean” by her family and close friends.  For the past couple of weeks, I grappled with whether I would share this and how out of respect for our friends who are utterly devastated and heartbroken.  On the one hand, this is incredibly personal and painful and so initially I wasn’t go to say anything but after much contemplation, I could not just resume to blogging as if everything is normal because it never will be again.  There will always be a tremendous hole in our hearts as we are trying to process the loss of this beautiful soul who touched our lives so profoundly.  I will not go into further detail because it is not my place.  What I will say is this: hug your loved ones tight, don’t hesitate to tell them how you feel, let go of the small stuff, and be present.  When we lose someone, nothing else matters but the love we have for one another.

If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, please, know that you are never alone.  There are an abundance of resources and support groups that will offer comfort and help during this most difficult time.  Grief Speaks as well as Grief.com  lists specific bereavement groups as well as a plethora of information to help guide you in the right direction when you are ready.   In addition, if you are a family member or a friend of someone who is suffering from the loss of a loved one, know that your constant love, support and presence is vital in helping that person grieve and cope during their darkest hours.  Worry less about saying the wrong thing and concentrate more on being there, hugging them, and really listening.  I’ll leave you with this prayer that always offers me comfort and inspiration especially during those times when I question my faith.

Prayer of Saint Francis: 

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.