Willance didn’t make it. Went too long without oxygen. That simple.

But there’s nothing simple about grief. What can I say? My heart is broken—grief multiplied by all the broken hearts of those who loved Williance.

Of course, as a Christian, the feelings are mixed with hope. Williance came from a community who shared a deep, robust faith in the One who said “I am the resurrection and the life,” and “whosoever believes in me will live even if he dies.” They (and I) know Williance is in a better place and one day we will have a glorious reunion.

And there was something else that brought hope to me yesterday— Chrystelle’s friends from our Finishers group at Amarillo College—some of whom came at 3:00 a.m. Friday when they first heard of the accident.

I saw them hold her, cry with her, share those awkward silences when no one knows quite what to say, but they were there, never leaving her side. Not because they had been in some club together, but because they loved their friend.

And that’s what friends do.