Some things just don't make sense

I have lots to blog about.

Charcoal.

Free burritos.

California.

But they all pale in importance to what I did today. I attended the viewing for a 23-year-old who died very suddenly on Saturday, while playing a video game.

I walked into the room and saw Kyle's precious wife, sitting on a stool by his casket, surrounded by her family, sobbing. No woman should ever become a widow at such a young age.

Not that there is ever a right age for someone to become a widow, but it seemed so out of context, so jolting, to see this beautiful woman who just a year and a half ago was a blushing bride and now is burying her husband.

I work with Kyle's mom, Mona. She took our family photos two years ago. She worked with my sister for many years. She is such a woman of God, a mother who I admire, and a huge prayer warrior. I don't talk to her very often, but when I do have the privilege of talking with her I always walk away feeling blessed.

I'm having a hard time with the fact that she has to bury her son.

Some things just don't make sense.

I guess that's why we have a big God.

In the midst of great sorrow over Kyle being so suddenly taken away, there has also been great joy. One of his friends started a Facebook group in his memory, and I've loved reading the stories and seeing the photos people have posted. Kyle was a great guy who embraced everyone, loved to have fun, and loved Jesus with all of his heart. That is evident in every story and photo shared.

I met Kyle one time, when he came into my office on campus. I remember thinking, Yep - he's definitely Mona's son. What a genuinely nice guy.

After reading all the stories about him, I find myself wishing I'd had the privilege of knowing him better.

I guess that's one more thing to look forward to about heaven.

If you think about it, please say a prayer for Kyle's wife, Chelsea; his parents, Joel and Mona; his siblings, Alyssa and Austin; and the rest of his extended family and friends.