Life's Unexpected Turns

I'd like to introduce you to Mr. Elton Cosby Jr. Unfortunately, I cannot because I never got the opportunity to meet him, myself. But from everything I've heard this was one stellar young man. He'd received his Bachelor's degree from Baylor, a Master's degree from Hampton University, and was working on becoming a physician at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Last fall, Elton was diagnosed with Lymphoma and he passed away on Mother's Day.

In December, a friend asked me to add Elton to my prayer list. And I did. Daily, as my mother and I drove down the Beltway to work we'd pray for him. It wasn't important that I'd never met him or that she (my friend) only knew him as her cousin's boyfriend. But it was important to remember that the Bible says that "the prayers of the righteous availeth much." Even this morning I prayed, "Lord, touch Elton Cosby Jr. Touch his family and friends and speak to them through him."

Everytime I pray for him, I remind myself to get an update. I guess I always forget because in the back of my mind there lies a little dread. So, this morning I'd spent an hour or so researching the death of a 20 year-old girl who died in a motorcycle accident two weeks ago. She grew up only blocks from me. I googled her and found her myspace page. So, I figured that I'd do the same with Elton. Well, much to my dismay, there it was, a post on the Houston Chronicle courtesy of legacy.com. God, how my heart sank.

I don't know if I've said this here, but we had a poem that hung on our wall for many years entitled "Each Life Affects Another" by Amanda Bradley

We may not always realize that every thing we do,

affects not only our lives but touches others, too!
For a little bit of thoughtfulness that shows someone you care,

creates a ray of sunshine for both of you to share.
Yes, every time you offer someone a helping hand...

Every time you show a friend you care and understand...

Every time you have a kind and gentle word to give...

You help someone find beauty in this precious life we live.
For happiness brings happiness and loving ways bring love;

And Giving is the treasure that contentment is made of.

And that is certainly how I'm feeling right now. Affected. A bit lost. Confused. Battling with acceptance. I really had hope that he'd make it through. That he'd walk down the aisle with Ashley. That he'd officially become Dr. Cosby. That I'd get the chance to shake his hand, and tell him how his life has affected my own.

A few weeks ago, my mother and I had a talk about death and suffering. We pray for people who are ill, who are hurting...and we often hurt for them and ourselves. But we pray our will, when they have a will of their own. And just because God doesn't answer our prayers the way we hope He would, doesn't mean that He hasn't heard the cries of His children. He hears us, He knows all about us, He loves us, and He takes care of His own. I don't have any wise words. I really don't have anything else. I'm pretty emotionally drained, today, as I prepare to visit my great-grandmother in the hospital with a broken hip and blood clot in her leg, and take dinner to my great-grandfather who's home alone with severe asthma and glaucoma; and Wednesday, I'll go to the homegoing service of a man who right now feels like my last ounce of the Good Ole Days has finally slipped away. So pray for me and I'll pray for you.

God's will isn't always the most comfortable place...but it's always the safest place.

The words of a friend.