To Karlene

To Karlene Broken Seashells, Broken Hearts

There is a book entitled "My Beautiful Broken Shell"

written by Carol Hamblet Adams

The author shares the brokenness of her heart and spirit as she struggled trough a difficult time. She was walking along a beach one day searching for perfect seashells to add to her collection. After awhile she comes to realize that the broken seashells reflect her own heart. In each shell she sees those who are hurting and who have lost loved ones, those who are frightened or alone. Like all of us, each shell in the vast sea is tremendously resilient after fighting so hard to keep from being totally crushed by the pounding surf. We, too, come to realize that it takes courage to remain on the shore after being "tossed by the storms of life and worn down by the sands of time"... despite the unrelenting pain and suffering in your hearts. Like you and I broken seashells represent our tears, deepest sorrows and pain from the loss of our precious boys. The turbulent crashing , waves of the sea followed by the calm waves , teaches us the true meaning of strength, courage and faith. The brokenness of each shell comes to remind us that when our hearts are shattered beyond belief, we can survive even the most horrific storms in our own lives. As each beautiful, broken shell doesn't pretend to be perfect or whole, it allows for its brokenness to be seen, knowing that within the center of the shell lays immense beauty.

Broken seashells don't exist alone, but are surrounded by a vast number of seashells, each broken in their own unique way. Like all of humanity, when you truly look around you see that we are all wounded in one way or another. As rare as it is to find a perfect shell in the midst of hundreds of shells lying on the beach, it's equally rare to find any one of us who has not experience deep pain and sorrow. As the broken shells lie close to one another, we are reminded that we too, live in community with each other and when we draw upon the strength and courage of others it helps us through the most difficult times.

Peace to you today, Karlene... honor BJ... and think of happy times that you shared together.

Laurie