fear of loss

Monday I got a text 
Tuesday I had a chat on Facebook 
Wednesday I opened a Facebook message
all three communications concerned a different person I love
today I have been hesitant to look at my phone or my computer

Monday a chronic problem for a dear relative flared,
resulting in admittance to the hospital for three days
Tuesday involved a car accident where the jaws of life were implemented, miraculously my "adopted" son was released from the hospital within hours
Wednesday I found out I have an aunt in hospice care

I know that life is fragile
the impact 
of losing any one of these people 
would hurt deeply
it's the price of loving

the tentacles of grief are groping,
trying to prematurely entangle my heart,
working hard to choke me out
with fear 
dread of pain (for them and for me)
frustration that I am so far away from each of them
the temptation to worry and despair because there is nothing I can do

but I hear the quiet, gentle voice of God speak:
trust Me
pray 
be thankful
and as I choose to hear, to listen,
as I practice obedience
I find strength and peace that passes understanding