The names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent.

[captainsblog]

As have a few more details.

Earlier today, I was forwarded an exchange of emails between people who should know better. I was also forwarded some independent news having nothing- yet- to do with either of them. That generated this slightly redacted response:

Moments after hearing about the sad state of affairs between mother and daughter, I got a message from another friend. She was hired at a downtown law firm over 18 years ago to work for me when we moved here. I lasted there barely a year; she, until earlier this year, and she's always kept in touch with both Eleanor and me.

The message was to tell me that a young attorney in that firm, who she'd known for the last four of those years, died in her Buffalo apartment this morning. I've yet to see an obituary, but from pictures and other online information I am certain she was under 30. I did not know her, and know nothing of the circumstances, but it is a tragic loss of a life barely begun to be lived in its fullness.

We live lives of uncertain paths and endings. A year ago this time, a vibrant voice in our Methodist faith stepped off an airplane and, moments later, was dead of a hematoma. We've lost other friends, and relatives, to longer and more painful ends. Whatever the circumstances, they all tell me one thing: I will not cut off a friend or a relative for so much as a moment over offenses, real or perceived. None is so painful or powerful that it cannot be overcome by the powers of love and forgiveness.

You are as likely to attend my funeral as I am yours. Neither is the time for the "victims" of such slights to regret them, apologize for them, wish they had one more chance to take them back and make them right.  The time is now- while we can still speak, and laugh, and share the moments we've been given to be together.

If some slight moment of reflection or reconciliation comes out of this random unrelated tragedy, it will be a silver lining of good in a sea of bad and sad.

We chased all of that with a viewing of the 2011 "Making of QI" documentary. An hour of elves, and Alan, and other luminaries was just what was needed to make the hearts feel better. We're also planning to invite the mother of that disputing mother-and-daughter duo to join us for Thanksgiving; because NOBODY KNOWS how many such occasions we will ever have after next week for such festivities.

Comments

[liddle-oldman.livejournal.com]

We must be kind to each other, while there is still time.

[murrday.livejournal.com]

Well said.