Devastation

Devastation
hmmmm….devastation….so much can be said about this one word, there is just so much that can go with it. Whether it’s within the world as a whole or within one’s own personal life, almost everyone has – or will – experience something that is devastating.

I have experienced a few things in my life that I think of as “devastation”. In more recent years, the first thing I think of is the house fire in 2009 – we lost everything, the house, the belongings inside, all the mementos and sentimental items – like pictures, Christmas ornaments the kids had made over the years, special blankets, etc, etc, etc. So much was lost then – however, a few photo albums happened to be salvaged. I don’t totally understand why those in particular were not ruined, but I am thankful they weren’t. The only rational explanation I received about it is the fact the albums were completely packed into the bookshelf, making it so no oxygen was able to get into them and therefore, not allowing the flames to get inside them. The only other “things” that we did not lose were the animals – they were all able to escape as well. The cat was found hiding in the cellar, she was given oxygen by the firefighters and although her face was a little singed, she was okay. Aside from being very scared. So thankful all were safe.

We often think that we cannot get through something that has devastated our lives, but you know what? Most of the time we are able to do just that – with time and effort of course. Healing needs to happen and sometimes that will include getting angry (at someone or something), but we need to allow ourselves to feel those emotions. No matter how unpleasant they may be. Events that cause devastation can happen at any given time and to any given person – no matter who they are.

I have a good friend who is dealing with her own devastation right now. She has had two dear people in her life pass away over this past weekend. One due to a terminal illness and one due to smoke inhalation in a house fire. These passings are terribly difficult for her and she’s having a very hard time dealing with all of this, which is totally understandable. These were important people in her life. I wish I could take away her pain, but I’m not able to do that. All I can do, I guess, is just hope her pain eases soon.

“Devastation” can truly be life changing…..

via Daily Prompt: Devastation