It rained today...

This afternoon it rained, a rather fitting downpour to mark a sad day.  It was the kind of rain that the wind whipped up and made it hit the house that much harder.  I lay listening to it as Ava was asleep beside me.  It was the kind of rain that sounded like the break of a levee and the gush of tears from heaven. Brief, yet powerful.  Heaven shed tears today for those left behind from the passing of two young men.

I knew one back in high school and the other only from the news.  Both too young, both too soon.  One for a medical complication, the other for a sick man's senseless act.  Both leaving many loved ones behind.

The funeral was today for Nick Pitzen, a man only a year younger than myself.  For Scott and his family, he was a distant cousin, for me, a fellow athlete in high school.  A man only a year younger than me, his wake was heart breaking - seeing so many that loved him and realizing the promise of a man and his life is no more.  One year younger.

CPO 3 John Larimer, a victim from the senseless shootings in Colorado, was brought home to Crystal Lake today, escorted by many riders from the Illinois Old Guard, Warriors Watch Riders and the Illinois Patriot Guard.  For those who have never seen them ride - truly a moving and beautiful display. Scott said that they passed right by his work, as it is down the road from the funeral home - everything stood still.

It seemed so appropriate for the turn in weather - two men gone for very different reasons with many loved ones navigating through the turns of grief.  I believe that Heaven shed tears today for those that these two men left behind - and then the downpour stopped - because Heaven rejoiced in receiving two fine men as well.

At the wake for Nick yesterday, Scott's Aunt Mary said it best..."Hug your kids.  There's nothing else you can do."

So for both of these men brought home so soon, we will remember.  We will remember that life is so precious, your next breath is never guaranteed.  We will pray for their families and those that were close.  I will remember to take each moment and live it to it's fullest.

Today, it rained.  

In peace may they both rest.

Through love, prayer and memories may family and friends find healing. 

And...hug your kids.  

I did.