The rain falls like a million tears, a cascade of water reflecting Life and Death. The Spring rain nourishes the new Life and at the same time reflects the grief and the tears for those we have lost.

Life and Death, joy and sadness, beginnings and endings are all part of one and yet reflect the other. How can this world be so much of both? How do we balance the feelings and emotions that come from just being alive?

Sunday was a lovely day, with Spring in the air and hope all around. I attended a bridal shower for my daughter's elementary school friend. The laughter and excitement of the day filled me with a sense of purpose and I watched as the threads of our lives were drawn tight in this community. Childhood relationships have blossomed into love and the World seemed at peace and right.

Later that evening another childhood friend of my daughter's lost her life in a horrific attack. She was stabbed to death in her mother's van as she drove a friend home. Now as one child watches as her parents marry, another will grow up without his mother, his love and his life. The mixture of emotions is too brilliant, too raw and too early to really even comprehend, and yet I must try.

Rachel was a special child, with energy and laughter that still rings in my ears as I think of her. How could that laughter have been silenced? Why? No details of the murder have been released as yet, so we that knew and loved her are left to wonder and speculate as we wait for the police report.

I read online the talk of drugs or random reasons, but she did not deserve to die for her personal struggles. She lived her Life as best she could and loved her son with all her might. She loved animals and always made me laugh even if I didn't feel like it. Yes, she had her own demons and struggled with depression and bad choices. So what! Who is perfect without flaws?

Be at peace Rachel and know that you were loved and you did make a difference in this crazy Life we live. We will miss you and you will be remembered.

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