Gone too Soon: R.I.P. LaShawna Threatt

LaShawna Threatt

For death is but a passing phase of Life;

A change of dress, a disrobing;

A birth into the unborn again;

A commencing where we ended;

A starting where we stopped to rest;

A crossroad of Eternity;

A giving up of something, to possess all things.

The end of the unreal, the beginning of the real.

EDWIN LEIBFREED, "The Song of the Soul"

I've been following the very sad story of LaShawna Threatt and Ciara Williams ever since I first heard about their tragic 10th floor fall from the W Hotel Memorial Day Weekend.  Though I didn't/don't know either young lady, I've been drawn to this. Why? I can't fully explain, which is why I hesitated to blog or comment.  But after a week of reading various articles, watching the news clips and questioning (along with everyone else) how this could happen, I feel compelled to express my condolences, thoughts and feelings about another life gone too soon.   

They may never see this but my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to the Threatt and Williams families and all those affected by this tragedy.   I've seen the interviews and thought, 'they seem so composed, so strong; I would be in shambles.' What I must realize is death is often sad to those of us left behind because we feel hurt, pain and sorrow for our loss instead of celebrating the life and the fact that the individual who passed on shall no longer experience those things.  From everything I've read, LaShawna was always happy and an amazing person to know. She loved the best of the best so her Hollywood funeral planned for today was only appropriate and her life worthy of celebration, not sadness. 

Best Friends: LaShawna and Ciara

Still, the "why" and "how" are natural thoughts that come and go whenever something like this happens. It's that haunting feeling of hollowness when learning of someone so young passing away and the inability to explain how or why and the thought of what must have been going on in their minds. I felt it after the sudden deaths of the several college associates who have gone within the last two years.  This particular story, with the different versions and the shock of it happening in a place I've been and envisioning similar nights shared between me and my friends makes the circumstances of strangers hit somewhat closer to home. If for no other reason than to thank God for the many times HE has delivered us from hurt, harm and danger during our celebrations and serves as a reminder that while everyday there could be something to complain about we should instead be grateful and live life to its fullest.  Be blessed.  

(picture sources: Internet)