DCFemella

My sister’s death was unexpected and shocking.  It devastated our family, and we weren’t sure how we would go on (still don’t).  However, I learned something with her passing.  The love and support that our friends, family, and peers showed us during this trying time is something I will never forget. 

During this time, you don’t want to move out of your bed.  You don’t think about doing everyday tasks (e.g. cooking, cleaning, walking, etc.).  In Panama, the practice is very different. People come to your house where you have to cater to them. It’s something that drove me insane when my grandfather and aunt passed away. Here in the U.S. it was the opposite. I was amazed how loved ones came from far and beyond to help bring us food, help us clean, keep us company, and take care of the kids.  These are just a few things. It was comforting to see so many people come to show their support by helping us do things that we had seemed to forget overnight.

Even online, people I interact with every day, showed their support by giving me their sympathy. They might not know it, but that was a huge comfort for me, and I want to thank you for that, especially my fellow FFers.

My wonderful friends came by and brought us dinner, took Cebastian and Isabelle to the movies, and sent my sister lovely flowers. You are all wonderful, and I am glad to have met all of you. Thanks again.

If someone I know, even if that person is not a close friend, has something devastating happen in his/her family, then I definitely plan on being there in any way I can. Even if the person doesn’t pay it forward, it really doesn’t matter. I will know that I have helped someone in even a small way during a trying time.