When The Expected Became Unexpected

I heard some news today that hit me right between the eyes.

An old friend of mine emailed to tell me that she's getting divorced from her husband. One never really knows what goes on behind closed doors, but still, she was the last person I would have thought of in such a position.

Tragically, there are also children involved and so the situation becomes a whole lot messier and more painful.

What can I say to this person to ease her obvious pain? What are the right words, if any, to give consolation?

We go through life saying that we expect the unexpected, but in all honesty, we climb into our own little cosy corners, get on with our lives and then get a real shock when life hits us with a curve-ball.

To this friend, the divorce is already done and dusted. The rest of us need time to acclimatise to the new reality and hope that the people we care about get the chance to sort their lives out quickly, with as little pain as is humanely possible.

If you are reading this, "X", please know that right now, my heart and prayers are with you.

I apologise for not realising that things had got so bad for you...and for forgetting that the world around my cosy little corner of this planet can be brutal and unforgiving.

Please forgive me for allowing the expected to become so very unexpected. May the good Lord give you every ounce of strength and determination you need to get through this.

Remember, I'll be here for you.