Ripples on a pond

I have written about the ripple effect before

In a different place and time

Ripples are especially noticeable in a small community

Where everyone really does know everyone else.

To one extent or another.

A week ago, 

Just seven days ago

I got a call telling me of a sudden death

It took my breath away!

This was a woman so full of life that to think of her gone was really difficult to absorb.

It soon became clear, that others needed to know this news

Needed to hear it in a gentle way

Not from the newsfeed, or radio broadcast

Thus started the hours of repetition.

Each time, telling the news

Each time, sitting, holding a hand

Keeping the silence

Answering questions as I was able

Making plans next

Meeting her family - stunned

Holding her best friend - heartbroken

Supporting any who needed it, in whatever form. 

Here we are a week later.

The full, busy week, centred on meetings and conversations. 

And in between, carrying on, doing the stuff of ministry.

Comforting the bereaved

Writing prayers

Planning worship

Reading committee papers

Fixing diary dates

Yet

Still the ripples go

The funeral arrangements were made

So, the notice goes to our church Facebook page

(As is the norm)

Within hours, the 'reach' was over a thousand....

This has never happened before.

It's been two days, the post has been shared more than 30 times

The reach is almost 4000! 

Ripples.... 

Hardly, it feels more like a tidal wave! 

Waves of emotion

Jennifer was a teacher, a singer, a first aider.

She was a friend, a confidante, a listener.

She was vital, and lively, and enthusiastic,

She was thoughtful, kind and compassionate 

And she was loved

And she will be missed