Sorrow and Joy

I completely lost the month of September with the start of school and sports activities. Our schedules became hectic and busy. Amidst all the chaos, I received the call from my Dad that has completely changed my view on things for the moment. My younger brother took his own life at the age of 41. He had been struggling with a back injury and the pain medications for them. He left behind two beautiful daughters ages 7 and 5. This has been heartbreaking for everyone.
Prayer and life have allowed me to continue on as best I can. Teaching preschool and seeing the joy in the eyes of young children as they sing and dance and play has allowed me to focus on the joyful moments. The sorrow comes in the quiet. Life is consistently made up of the constant moments of sorrow and joy. Through the pain, we see life in a new light and it makes the joyful moments seem more real. I treasure my children now more than ever and feel even more driven to share life with them in a positive and loving way. God bless all those affected by mental illness and families struggling with the loss of a loved one as a result of suicide.