Roombaguy
Contributor
In todays Caymanian Compass
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Tragedy turns into grace
A few days ago, our family lost a beloved member in a tragic diving incident here in Grand Cayman. Tina died doing something she loved to do, with the person she loved the most, in a place she felt was a little piece of heaven.
I have been here for several days helping my sister through the lengthy and complex process of the investigation and preparations so we can take Tina home. We found ourselves surrounded by strangers in one of lifes most intimate and painful times made more difficult by the distance from our family and friends.
Then we were blessed by a profound grace - these island strangers became our family of friends. We were encircled in their love and concern, generosity and kindness, thoughtfulness and support. They provided housing and food, transportation and connections. They facilitated the myriad of decisions and actions associated with an accidental death. They cried with us and made us laugh. They offered hugs and words of comfort and made us strong when we felt sure we could not bear the pain. They were our very own cadre of angels.
Words cannot adequately express the depth of our gratitude to each and every one for companioning us on this difficult journey. We will forever hold the beautiful people of Grand Cayman in our hearts and in our prayers of gratitude. Tina was so right - this is a little piece of heaven. We will surely travel this way again to visit our new family of friends.
Suzanne Kathman
Cincinnati, Ohio
cayCompass.com :: Tragedy turns into grace
-----------------------
Tragedy turns into grace
A few days ago, our family lost a beloved member in a tragic diving incident here in Grand Cayman. Tina died doing something she loved to do, with the person she loved the most, in a place she felt was a little piece of heaven.
I have been here for several days helping my sister through the lengthy and complex process of the investigation and preparations so we can take Tina home. We found ourselves surrounded by strangers in one of lifes most intimate and painful times made more difficult by the distance from our family and friends.
Then we were blessed by a profound grace - these island strangers became our family of friends. We were encircled in their love and concern, generosity and kindness, thoughtfulness and support. They provided housing and food, transportation and connections. They facilitated the myriad of decisions and actions associated with an accidental death. They cried with us and made us laugh. They offered hugs and words of comfort and made us strong when we felt sure we could not bear the pain. They were our very own cadre of angels.
Words cannot adequately express the depth of our gratitude to each and every one for companioning us on this difficult journey. We will forever hold the beautiful people of Grand Cayman in our hearts and in our prayers of gratitude. Tina was so right - this is a little piece of heaven. We will surely travel this way again to visit our new family of friends.
Suzanne Kathman
Cincinnati, Ohio
cayCompass.com :: Tragedy turns into grace
