Blog
Choose LOVE
by Elizabeth Ruske
January 13, 2011
Today I was going to post a blog about choice – and call us all out to be accountable for all our choices. And instead I made a choice . . . to write a personal story about the beautiful God Daughter of one of my business partners, Betsy. You see, Ellie, passed away this morning. And she was 9 years old.
When Ellie was born, they said she would only live a very short time and the doctors spoke in months not years. And to everyone’s amazement and joy, Ellie shared 9 years with her family and friends. When Betsy spoke of Ellie she talked in terms that one would use to describe a mature adult; courageous, frustrated, full of live. And through it all, Ellie was remarkable; completely and unabashedly herself – ALWAYS.
I cannot imagine the pain and heartbreak of Ellie’s parents, friends and family. As a mother, I can try to empathize, but the pain is inconsolable. As parents, what we really wish for our children is that they grow up happy and live their lives on their own terms. For Debi and Thom, this is no longer possible for Ellie. Ellie will not have the opportunity to grow up, and her mother and father, and family will never get to know her as a grown woman. For them Ellie will always be the beautiful little girl that blessed their lives. And we take hope in the belief that Ellie is happy.
We can only imagine Debi and Thom’s pain. We pray for them and their family. When we lose a life, especially that of a beloved child, I believe our hearts collectively skip a beat. There is a pause in the rhythm of the Universe. And today, our hearts skipped a beat as Ellie left this earth and is resting and happy in a good place. One where she will not endure any more pain and suffering. One where she is totally FREE to be Ellie.
Death is the ultimate both/and scenario. Nothing is as sad, and yet, there are always fond loving memories that bring a sweet smile to our face and our hearts.
Tonight, please hug someone you love. Reach out to someone and mend a fence. Call someone and tell them you love them – just because you do. When our world loses the precious life of a child, it is incumbent upon all of us to fill the pause created in the Universe, and fill it with love.
Please keep Debi, Thom, Betsy, Ellie, Ben and Lotta in your hearts and in your prayers.
Thanks for this important message Beth, prayers to Betsy and all of the family.
Amen.
Last spring my husband’s long time family friends lost their 9 year old son to brain cancer. What amazed me most was the spunk and humor that he brought to every occasion. Despite his long time battle and complete awareness of it, he entered a room with a smile and his child like qualities dazzled everyone. He was FULL of life.
His passing was heartbreaking. It has been less than a year now and although a part of their heart continues to experience emptiness and pain, family and friends contribute LOVE to help fill this emptiness.
yes indeed…fill the universe with Love.
Thank you Beth for reminding me that it really is about taking the time, always taking the time, finding the time in the present to be kind and loving to those we come in contact with.
I can’t fathom the thought of losing a child. My children are more precious to me than anything. They bring me joy and laughter and fun. They give me a reason for being.
Prayers for Betsy and all of the family.