Life is certainly unfair sometimes, especially when horrific things happen to such good people. The Garner’s certainly don’t deserve the loss of their daughter, Ellen, who was so full of life. No parent should ever have to bury their child, regardless of how grown-up they are. It’s a pain that will always linger, and there are no words that can make things better, but at the least the support of such a loving a community can provide a touch of comfort.
The old African proverb reads, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ As I’ve witnessed from afar over the last few days and weeks, it also takes a village to survive the loss of a loved one. Personally, while ‘Friends’ on Facebook with Ellen, I didn’t really know her that well. I didn’t ‘Like’ her statuses or comment on any of her updates. Our relationship was based on having attended the same church, but our conversations were few and far between.. There are none that I can even remember. However, despite us not being very close, I was moved to my knee’s in prayer for healing and of admiration for the wall of faith built around her. It was inspiring to see the number of people brought together for a common goal.
The blind will say that the prayers went unanswered and served no purpose, and questions of faith are common during such tragic times, but there is a shining light through all the darkness. Within the wall of prayer that surrounded Ellen are surely bricks that had been out of touch with God, maybe a few that met him for the first time, and perhaps just one that learned to value life more. Through all the hardships the wall remained strong and never faltered, because its sealed together with strong relationships. Neighbors who never speak, former classmates who had fallen out of touch, and even strangers were united in a common bond. Difference and frustrations were put aside, all that mattered was Ellen.
Ellen was studying to be a fashion designer, and though I’ll never get to wear a shirt she designed, her work will forever change my appearance. As its my vow to forever be dressed with the heart of God on my sleeve that Ellen designed from all the love that formed in her passing.
