Two weeks ago today I received a phone call that rocked me to the core and was a grim reminder of just how fragile life can be.

Shortly after 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 13, my nephew called to inform me that his parents - my younger brother and sister-in-love - had been involved in an accident the evening before. “They didn’t make it.”

Those words seared into me as I desperately tried to grasp what I had just heard. His shaky, tear-filled voice rang in my ears as we wept together, separated by transmission lines and three hours of drive time. It was inconceivable.

After a few minutes, we hung up, and I had to begin the task of notifying Pat’s and my siblings and other family members. To be honest, time kind of stopped at 8:38 a.m. that Thursday for the next week. As our family gathered later that day, too much in shock to hardly talk, we ordered pizza and comforted one another. Because what else do you do?

One week later, on Nov. 20, we said our final goodbyes to Pat and Penny at a beautiful memorial service in Lincoln. I have lost both parents and three half-siblings, my son’s childhood best friend, my husband’s best friend, and a few close friends of my own. But this one hits totally different.

I had just turned two when Pat was born. We lived in Litchfield then, and with some distance to the nearest hospital, there was no time - so Pat was born in my parents’ bed with me holding mom’s hand. From that moment on, we shared a very special bond.

Unfortunately, I know many of you reading this can relate to the deep sense of grief and loss I am experiencing. If that is you, I am very sorry for your loss.

One of my sons made this comment the day we all gathered after getting the news, “Just think. There are some people who have never felt this grief because they don’t have anyone. This pain is the price you pay for having people to love.”

God does not promise we will have a life free from pain. He does promise He will be right beside us, sometimes literally holding us up, through the pain. These past two weeks, I have leaned on Him and so strongly felt His presence.

Today, Thanksgiving, my husband and I are gathering with family to enjoy my favorite feast. There is a hole in my heart, but it is cushioned by gratitude. Thankfulness for 63 years with a special little brother and 40 years with a fun-loving sister, creating so many memories. Thankfulness for a loving family to wrap their arms around each other when tears begin to flow. Thankfulness for laughter. But above all, gratitude for a Savior who promises that we will be united again if we just believe.

Pat and Penny had that promise fulfilled, together. Even in the midst of pain, there is so much to be thankful for!