Blink of an eye

I was at work pretty early yesterday morning. I went about my morning like I normally do… checked email, grab some breakfast and planned out my to do’s. As I was walking back to my desk from grabbing some breakfast,I heard someone crying hysterically while talking on their phone. I walked over to make sure they were OK, only to find out that she just received the news that her daughter was dead. She was 18 months old. Apparently she passed away during the night. Daddy was on daycare duty so Mom decided to go into work early and didn’t check on the little one. I just stood there, in shock, feeling an overload of emotions but could not formulate the right words. Thankfully another co-worker was around and was able to go get her car to drive her home while I stood with the Mom trying my best to console her. I feel like I failed miserably. I ushered her into the car and closed the door sending her off knowing her life will NEVER be the same. I can’t even imagine the pain she must feel and will continue to feel for a lifetime. Though I am not a parent myself, losing a child is something you never get over but yet life is somehow supposed to continue on. It doesn’t seem fair. It’s was a pretty quiet and somber day at work. People were walking around with empty looks on their faces. My work family is an extension of my life. When somebody hurts, we all hurt. It seems too often there are wake up calls like this one. Days when it hits you like a pile of bricks and makes you realize just how lucky and blessed you are but yet I/we take it for granted. My only hope and prayer is nothing tragic ever happens to anyone close to me or my family. Life is too short and precious. I hugged my Man extra tight last night and said many prayers for my loved ones including my co worker whose life has changed in a blink of an eye.