The horrific events that happened this past Sunday have been heavy on my heart and mind. I cannot help but feel a significant amount of empathy for the families of those lost in that helicopter crash. As a mother and daddy’s girl, the emotions hit sooooo different and deeper. I tossed and turned Monday night, and finally decided to flush my brain and get all this out.
People always say not to question God and God makes no mistakes, but I am here to tell you first hand, that is the last thing I want to hear right after suffering loss. It does not change the fact that someone you hold near and dear is no longer walking this earth with you. Losing a parent myself almost 13 years ago, I can also confirm that it is something you never get over. You learn to maintain and deal with it, but even moments like this past Sunday trigger a thought or emotion tied to a time when you too felt the grief these families are feeling.
My daddy was a girl dad. He had 3 daughters. I am the middle one. I look the most like him and myself, along with my sisters, never gave up on him. He was always present growing up. I lost him my junior year of college suddenly with no warning or sign. All I was left with was a voicemail saying to call him back and he loved me. I kept that voicemail for years trying to hold on to something that once was. I questioned myself and my selfishness for not answering the phone when he called. We go back and forth on what we could have done different, but when it is time, it is time. This Sunday showed that more than ever!
Although I did not know any of the families personally, it did not change the empathy I have for each and every person. All I keep thinking about is what life would mean to me if I were to lose my husband and son so sudden. Or what if my son had to be told his mommy and daddy are not coming home? Or what if my sisters were taken away from me abruptly? Or how those last seconds of fear and protection felt for those on the helicopter trying to console their family members and friends when they knew the helicopter was going down. As a parent, to be totally helpless in calming your child’s fear and pain, that is something I hate to one day have to deal with. A parent never wants to bury their child and they never want to see the tears fall thinking there is nothing they can do to dry them. If I could share any words with the families or anyone that is suffering from a loss or has suffered from a loss, I think it would go like this:
You have every right to feel every emotion that you are currently feeling. Take all the time you need to cope with what is reality. No one can tell you when to be over what you are facing. Know that your loved ones loved you and always wanted the best for you, and they are always with you. Though not on earth, their spirit and presence will be felt as you continue to achieve and accomplish in life. You will gain strength and resilience as time goes on. Hold tight to the memories, the good times, and the laughter shared with them. It will get you through the low times. Trust in God and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path. Our prayers are with you.
Kobe Bryant was unarguably one of the greatest NBA players the league has ever seen. I was not a Lakers fan or a Kobe fan, but his accomplishments both on and off the court were very hard to go unnoticed. He was a hard worker, amazing ball player, and an amazing father and family man. He left behind so many gems and things to live by for motivation and encouragement, and he would want all his fans and those touched by his passing to keep their head up and keep living. The grind doesn’t stop, and that Mamba Mentality will live forever. RIH to him, his beautiful daughter Gianna “GiGi”, John, Alyssa, and Keri Altobelli, Christina Mauser, Sarah and Payton Chester, and Pilot Ara Zobayan.
Love,
A Daddy’s Girl
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