My Deepest Condolences.

Today I came across some tragic news whilst reading a friends Blog. The kind that you wish was not true. The kind that requires you to sit down and rethink certain things about your life especially in regards to the time that we have or don't for that matter. It reinforces the notion of just how precious are the times we spend with loved ones whether they be family or friends. The body of a friend of mine was found yesterday back home in Samoa floating in the sea in Savaii. There is speculation of foul play. I do not have all the details yet but it is enough for me to know that he is gone. That his life has been snuffed out like a candle. If suspicion holds true that his life came to a unfortunate end at the hands of a heartless killer/s who then disposed of his body in the sea. How little is their regard for life and obviously no thought for the people to whom this once vibrant life belonged to : such as his parents, family, and especially his poor wife who is also a dear friend of mine. If the autopsy proves it to be an accident it still doesn't take one iota of pain away from a life taken too soon or a relationship torn asunder by the cruelty of death. Raponi and Charlene are friends of mine from UPY. I have known Char much longer than I have Raponi coz we had been classmates and friends since Samoa College but when they got married almost a decade later it made things even better. My head is still swimming and I am telling myself that maybe if I squint my eyes hard enough when I go back to Nydia's blog his name will not be there but this sinking feeling in my stomache is telling me that it is true.I think of Char and how she may have reacted to the dreadful news and was so overwhelmed with the scene in my head that for a few minutes my vision was blurred!I tried putting myself in her place and just couldn't, I can not even begin to fathom what she is going through. The immense sorrow, devastating pain.. the emptiness... the million thoughts and questions racing through her mind. How one, single thoughtless act has taken away the spark from her eyes . Unable to keep her world from crashing and stop the tears that come unbidden. How she must be struggling with the WHY Question that no one has the answers to or one that can satisfy as it won't bring him back!How was one supposed to know that a trip over to the Big Island would mean Good bye forever!How many more years had they envisioned together, maybe even children down the line. Dreams and hopes for the future snatched away by a thief (murderer/s) in the night. Robbed of a happy and long life together, deprived of more intimate moments with her husband. Thinking about Charlene's loss is heartbreaking.Though it does not necessarily make it easier or less painful when we lose someone to old age or illness we are at least comforted by the knowledge that we at least had the time and opportunity to say our good byes and be with them as much as we could but when their life is cut short by an accident or by someone else's savagery it is extremely difficult to accept! Char my friend, may God give you comfort and strength to weather this difficult storm.
To Raponi's parents, family Asau & Vaimoso.

May God's love and grace be upon all of you through this difficult time.

Hey boy,

How time wraps itself around our lives so seamlessly that it feels, as if it were just yesterday that we were in class together, talkin' about what we were gonna be and what we wanted from life. How bright the whole world looked back then, at the old UPY campus in Malifa where we contemplated our futures. How you came to be known as Flash for reasons that never cease to put a smile on my face. How proud you were to point out the special places in Savaii to us ignorant Upolu kids during our Arts Fieldtrip. So full of life, so much to give and live for.

How did it end so tragically my friend? I don't think anyone saw this coming but I know you will be sorely missed by all who have come to call you friend. Those who were captivated by your infectious smile and sense of humor. But there is one who will miss you above all, that special someone who has built her world around your love. Whose life became entwined with yours with the promise of tomorrow but now has to go on alone, your loving Char. Though it seems so unfair that death has robbed you of your life together I believe wherever u are there her love will be, as yours will remain with her forever. I will miss you my friend and it will be hard coming home knowing that you will not be around but Thank You for the great memories I will cherish them for all time.

So long "Flash."..May you find rest and peace in the arms of our Heavenly Father. You will always be remembered.