When bad things happen to good people

I have always believed that everything happens for a reason and I speak about it often on my blog. That doesn't mean I understand why these things happen or that I don't feel powerless when they do. We all go through bad times and good and often the bad times make us appreciate the good things in our lives.

Two sets of family members are going through some particularly trying times at the moment and I am finding it hard to keep the faith that everything happens for a reason. One set of family members I am powerless to do anything but provide an ear for listening and share a small part of the pain they are experiencing.

The other set I can listen to and be there for them and in some cases do more to assist, but at the same time I am still powerless to take away their pain and make the problems go away. There's a saying that a problem shared is a problem halved and to some extent that is true, often just speaking about problems is the first step in discovering ways to solve them.

To some, the problems would seem quite minor compared to the suffering that others may be experiencing but when they affect our lives it's hard to remember that there are others much worse off.

My daughter-in-law (because thats what she is in my heart) quoted a marvellous saying on her Facebook page the other day by Marilyn Monroe which sums all of this up 'I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, and sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.'

What we can remember when we're going through tough times, or when people we love are going through tough times is that family are there to support and to listen. We can't take away the pain or the suffering but we can be there (even from a distance) and shit we can be there to celebrate and cheer the good times.

To my loved ones who are suffering at the moment, my heart aches for you and the tears fall for you but I am there sharing your pain and wishing good times are not far away.

To those of you reading this post today, be especially grateful for your loved ones - especially your children and reach out to someone who may need a little bit of extra lovin' during a trying time.

'Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging' ~ Joseph Campbell