What would they say?

It's highly likely that most of us has lost a loved one at some point in our lives.

Today I'm feeling keenly the loss of a good friend who perished during the earthquake in Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12, 2010. He'd given all of his professional life-- over ten years-- to serving the world's most fragile populations in the most horrific places. 

Bosnia. 1999-2001

Kosovo. 2001-2003

Gaza. 2003-2005

Haiti. 2005-2010

I think about his young children: a preschooler and a toddler.

I think about his wife of 7 years.

I think of how swiftly and unexpectedly tragedy strikes.

I think of the words we never say.

Who ever thinks that they will get out of bed in the morning, foist themself into another "regular" day, but never walk back in that door to kiss their spouse or hug their children?

Was he in a good mood? Did he have a bad day? Was he looking forward to taking his kids to play after work? Was he excited about spending a quiet evening with his wife? Was he satisfied and content with the magnitude of improvements he was making for the people of Haiti? Was he looking towards the next chapter of his life, and what that might hold for himself and his family?

When I read the following poem it seemed a very fitting message. Maybe it's what my friend is telling me, the message he's sending across time and space. I'll take it to heart.

In loving memory of JP. 1974-2010

Look well to this day, for it and it alone is Life
In its brief course lie all the essence of your existence:

The glory of growth
The satisfaction of achievement
The splendor of beauty

For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow is but a vision
But today lived well makes every yesterday a dream of happiness...
And every tomorrow a dream of hope

Anonymous, 50 B.C.