Hello again dear readers,
My heart is hurting a bit this week. As I am sure many of you have heard by now, Herman Galli, our former reporter passed away last week. Many of you may remember me mentioning that he was struggling with health issues in my last column. It’s a bitter sweet parting . I had the opportunity to see him one more time, just shortly before his passing. I am unsure if he really recognized me, but that’s okay, because I knew and loved him. He held on a long time, proving right up until the end that he was as stubborn as they come and twice as ornery. There was even one point when I felt sure he was going to make another miraculous turn around, similar to the one he made back in 2019.
But he continued to suffer several severe medical issues and was no doubt in a lot of pain. He kept the battle going until he just couldn’t fight any more, and has earned his rest. Knowing that he finally found relief in the arms of God is sweet. But it’s still so very hard knowing he is gone and it will be a long time before I see him again. I know we’ll see each other again someday, but until then, I miss him so very much. He was a good man and truly one of my favorite people on this earth. Please keep his family in your prayers, especially his fiancé Kathi, who continues her own health struggles.
I was also sad to hear of the passing of Richard Fuqua. I didn’t know him well, but he’s been a part of our emergency response family in his own way for a few years now. He aided Preston Volunteer Fire Department in several of their recent fundraisers by helping with meal deliveries. He was a fun man who always had a smile on his face, and loved to make conversation when he caught me out at an event with my camera. I know his caretaker well and I know she loved him and will miss him deeply. If you can say a prayer for them and his family and friends as well, please do so.
I also wish to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family and friends of Troy Pinon. Again, while I did not know Troy well, the few interaction I had with him were always pleasant. His children have always been polite and respectful when I have encountered them at the school, a reflection no doubt of their parents efforts in raising them. I know he was a well known and much beloved member of our community and he will be missed as well. Again, keep them all in your prayers as they regain their footing after being faced with this devastating and unexpected sudden loss.
This has been a rough school year for our local and area schools, and indeed our community in general. We’ve lost some truly wonderful people, young and old, and I think we’re all feeling the weight of it. Folks will often tell you to not to cry, to not waste time on being sad but rather to rejoice in the memories and that you have known them. I do believe there is a time, an eventuality if you will, for those sentiments. But sometimes, you just have to grieve for a while. And that’s okay too.
What we all to often forget while trying make others feel better...when we’re telling them “they’re in a better place now, don’t be sad” is that sadness and grief are natural. They may feel awful, but they’re emotions created by God, the same as joy and peace. In fact, I would argue that joy cannot exist without sadness, and vise versa. Disney’s “Inside Out” does a wonderful job of illustrating that point. To grieve is to have loved, right?
It is healthy to grieve and feel sad for a little while after a big loss. And like most things it only becomes an issue when it is persistent. That is when professional intervention might be necessary and I encourage anyone who feels they need help in processing their grief to seek it. Hickory County Health Department has just added a new counseling service for those ages 16 and up with Medicaid and Medicare coverage, as well as a sliding fee for uninsured clients. That might be worth checking out. Until then though, if you’re like me and grieving a recent departure, and you just need some time, take it and grieve guilt free. Know you’re always welcome to reach out if you need anything. Everyone will be here when you’re ready.
In grief you will find a certain and unique beauty. I have been witness to it time and time again; the fundraisers, the outpouring of support from family, friends, and complete strangers, and the offering of a helping hand to help pull you back on your feet or to simply hug you while you’re down. It can be awe-inspiring and powerful. I believe in these moments we see God working the most.
They often say it is during the darkest times where you find out who the brightest lights in your life are and I believe this to be true. I would caution though against judging all lights against each other. Everyone has their own battles, and sometimes their own light can be a little dim too, and you might find you’re guiding each other without ever realizing it, rather than one of you guiding the other. Their light being dim doesn’t mean they won’t help light the way back for you, only that they’re struggling too, possibly with the same grief you are. A candle stub is better than no candle at all in the darkness, so treasure it all the same. Patience is key when working through grief, for everyone involved. Keep a watchful eye out for those glows, the bright and the dim, and they’ll eventually lead you back to your smile.
Until next time my friends, thanks for reading.
Yours in grief,
Aleia Ream
The Index Editor
