I don’t have encouraging words tonight. I saw devastation from the hurricane and the level of work to do is overwhelming but all of that is so small because a friend died today.

My heart is broken. I thought it hurt before as I began to hear and see the havoc hurricane Irma left behind. But now, perspective is really at play and it hurts. I didn’t want this kind of perspective right now. These folks deserve to be allowed their grief over homes lost and property destroyed. And yet, today, I am just grateful they are alive.

Yes. People died in Irma, and when I am with their loved ones I will recall there is no worldly perspective to comfort them. As Red Cross Disaster Spiritual Care, I cannot share what gives me hope and strength in time of death… But I will be relying on my inner knowledge of the promises of my faith.

To walk with someone, to hold their story, to share the joy and pain is such a gift. For those who survive, I will be ever so grateful for the chance to walk and talk with them, but especially so as I grieve the loss of my friend and recall the joy of our friendship.

Cancer won… But Irma did not. We will live and laugh and love another day all,the while recalling the ones we lost with a teary eye and a grateful heart.