For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Farewell to Natasha Richardson (1963-2009)

This morning on the way to work I cried as I thought about the passing of Natasha Richardson. I didn't cry because I lost a friend or loved one. I cried because that's what I do when things don't quite make sense to me. I cried because my heart went out to the many friends and loved ones who were mourning her and I cried because I realized it could have been one of my friends or loved ones.

Like so many around the world I was in shock when I heard about the accident. She was on a bunny slope. She fell down a slope that millions of children have probably fallen down. Was she being stupid or foolish? No! Was it lack of common sense that she didn't have a helmet on? I don't think so--I have never seen anyone wearing a helmet at a ski resort. I fell down a beginner slope and got separated from my youth group for several hours and vowed I would never ski again. It was just a sad and unfortunate event.

I had a gut wrenching feeling in the pit of my stomach that she wasn't going to make it. I cried when I read Liz Smith's column Tuesday that she was brain dead and I cried again last night when I heard Joan Rivers declare on CNN that she was only kept on life support so that her boys could see her alive to bid their farewells.

I probably never really knew who Natasha Richardson was until I watched the 1998 remake of Parent Trap. I loved her personality--she was young and vibrant. She was beautiful and her role as Lindsay Lohan's mother just came natural to her. I think she would have played the role perfectly even if there wasn't a script. I think it could have been given to her hands down without an audition. Richardson was someone who loved people and life. I loved watching her act and she will be greatly missed.

The media has declared this a freak accident. The autopsy revealed it was an accident sustained by serious injury to the brain upon impact. But what the world calls an accident the Lord declares to be part of His plan. With God there are no mistakes. It wasn't a mistake that she got on that bunny slope and fell. It wasn't a mistake that she sustained an injury. It was part of a bigger plan. I know many are asking, "why?" Why now? Why her? Why did it have to end this way?

As a Christian I have learned that there are many questions that I will never know the answers to. That is, until I meet the Lord. I can't always understand God's ways--His ways supercede my greatest expectations. Sometimes there is no rhyme or reason to the trials and tragedies that mankind experiences but be patient and wait upon the Lord. He makes all things beautiful in His time.

To the family I would say cherish the memories you have of a fun, multi-talented and loving daughter (Vanessa Redgrave), sister (Joely Richardson), niece (Lynn Redgrave), wife (Liam) and mother (Michael and Daniel). To the boys just remember this: You lived under her heart for 9 months and now she shall forever live within yours. Gone but not forgotten--she shall be remembered. YOU, the family may be her greatest legacy.

Don't begrudge the Lord for welcoming another angel home. Don't try to live in the past because you can't revisit it and don't be angry about a future that never happened. Enjoy today. You have this moment to make a difference, to dance in the rain, to blow bubbles in the wind, to make snow angels, to throw caution to the wind and have the adventure of a lifetime. I believe that is how Natasha Richardson would want it.

Weep for her today because you miss her and are grieving but as the tears fall and the nights get cold and lonely turn your face toward Heaven. Natasha was a star here on earth--she reigned in Hollywood and Broadway. Now she is a star in the greatest story ever known to man. An Eskimo legend declares this:

Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.

Let the Lord comfort you in a way no mortal man can. He cares for you. Tears are a language God understands and when answers aren't enough there is Jesus.

In closing I would like to share a poem that I heard on an episode of Little House On the Prairie:

Remember me with smiles and laughter. For that is how I will remember you all. If you can only remember me with tears. Then don't remember me at all.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and I know I will shed more tears in the days to come but my refuge is in the Lord--praise God the Comforter has come! To the Lord we just say thanks for sharing this special person with us for 45 years.

To my family, friends and fellow bloggers. Don't let a day go by without telling someone how much you love and appreciate them. It might be the last opportunity. Tomorrow may never come. Take care and God bless.

7 comments:

  1. ah so that's where I've seen her. In that Disney "Parent Trap" (newer version.)

    I heard about it too over the radio and I also thought as If I expected that any moment she was going to die. When it comes to brain injury, that's something very delicate. :( only God knows what really happened but I hope your day fills you with sunshine again, Gigi. Remember, God is happy when we are happy. **many hugs to you. You and Krista have a wonderful heart.

    God bless and many hugs to you.

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  2. Natasha was a brilliant actress. I've always loved all of her movies. She will be missed by so many.

    I first heard she fell on the bunny slope and was in the hospital on Tuesday. Then they said she was brain dead and would be moved to a hospital in NY. I was watching The Fox Report with Shep Smith on FOX News and he announced that Natasha Richardson was taken off life support. I cried when I heard of her death. I was hoping and praying her condition would turn to good news.

    I always say "love you" to my loved ones because you never know when you will see them again.

    God Bless!

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  3. Yes, this was very tragic. So bizarre at the way it happened to, but if there is an upside at all, it is that it has brought awareness to others. It's not much of a comfort though, is it?

    I always say I love you to my family too. Especially my children. I don't know where I'd be without them.

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  4. I knew Natasha. Thank you for your lovely words about her. I just wish people knew more of her than just "The Parent Trap". She didn't even particularly like that movie. Her birthday just passed on the 11th and it made her death all more that real. :(

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  5. Christine, how did you know Natasha Richardson? My birthday was the 10th!

    I see you read my blog on child abuse. Well, people who know my past know how much I longed to have a close relationship w/my mother but it didn't happen. I loved NR in Parent Trap b/c of her role as a loving mother. My family also knows that since she passed away I haven't been able to watch Parent Trap without crying and while on vacation last week we watched "Taken" with Liam Neeson and I cried as I remembered he was recently widowed by her death. Thanks for reading and stay in touch!

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  6. I ran her website. Spent plenty of time with her and was invited to attend all of her performances on Broadway.

    I haven't been able to watch any of her movies since she died. I don't know that I'll ever be able to and not cry.

    Since her death...I wear the Irish Claddaugh symbol on my necklace in remembrance of her...it was on her casket.

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  7. Christine, you and I probably feel the same way. I love to sing and dance. I've been dancing since I was 3 and still dance in a production every summer. When I saw some of her tributes and realized she performed on Broadway I thought I recognized her in some shows. Earth's loss is Heaven's gain and we do have a wonderful and blessed assurance that those of us who are believers in the Lord will be reunited some day!

    Such a beautiful sentiment to wear the necklace in her memory. My mother is Irish and I have seen the Claddaugh all during my childhood. My father is of Native American descent and I have all of his features.

    Thanks for sharing your story and please continue to do so. Many hugs to you, Gigi

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