Surrounded by Sadness

It seems like so many people around me are suffering right now. We have our own little problems, but they seem small compared to everyone else. BigGuy was laid off, but thankfully got a job with his old company. So we've had a tight month, but it seems like no big deal.

My friend (mom to Princess, Stinky and Peas... I really need to give her a nickname) just had her beautiful baby, Pixie, but she has to stay in the NICU for a while. She also just found out Pixie needs to be under the bilirubin light. The other day, their dog Ali ran away from home. They drove around looking for her, and reported her missing to the police. Unfortunately, someone had hit Ali with their car. She was found on the side of the road. Can you imagine explaining to three young children that their dog died? It was awful. I went to see if I could help in any way. When I walked in the door, Princess wailed, "Ali was killed by a car!" My heart crumpled. I just hugged her, and wished I could bring their dog back. I can't imagine how hard it was for her mom.

A family that I used to go to school with had a daughter who was disabled.... could not walk or talk. She recently contracted double pneumonia, and Swine flu. She passed away this week. One of her sisters said "she's finally able to walk and talk in heaven."

There's just so much sadness. I wish I could wrap my arms around everyone and make it better.