What causes an aneurysm?

Today was "family picture day" on Cruz's side of the family.  Thirty-one people turned out to be photographed, all dressed in blue jeans and white tops.  I spent my morning and early afternoon plowing through school work and visiting with my wonderful aunt so that I would have the afternoon to relax and enjoy for a change. 

To fully understand our conversation, some of our closest friends have been recently impacted by a loved one who suffered an aneurysm early last week.  We received word that his condition had not gotten much better, but were hopeful.  On our way to have family pictures made today, I asked Cruz what causes an aneurysm? His reply, "God does".   

Throughout our family pictures today, his response to my question played over and over in my head.  I smiled through the pictures, but I knew, deep down, my smile would soon fade.  I had the feeling God had His plan ready for a special person today.  As the sun began to fade over the horizon and the cooler, crisp fall air whipped by us, we received news that God had gained an angel in Heaven. 

I first grieved for the family.  I hung my head in tears, knowing that our close friends' unborn child would never meet his grandfather.  Holidays with their dad's antics would no longer happen.  His smiling face and love for Carolina Panther football would be no more.  It was quite a hard pill to swallow.  Still, I kept thinking,Why?

It never seems to make sense when someone passes away unexpectedly.  I tend to have internal battles with allowing myself to release selfish tendencies and to fully let that person "go".  Some days, I scowl, wondering why we, on Earth, must sacrifice our needs of loved ones in human form in order for them to return to our Father.  Other days, I am thankful that those in pain are relieved, and that their spirit for the love of life and laughter live on through our memories and hearts on Earth, but their souls are at peace with the Lord.

As I continued to reflect on the voices around me as we snapped one happy picture to another, I felt compelled to be thankful.  I'm thankful that I have the opportunity to even have a picture made with the family that God has blessed me with.  I observed the generations of happy children that played in the leaves, the generations of adults that joked around and imagined the generations that are yet to come.  I find peace in knowing that I, too, have a plan in God's eyes, and when my plan is set, I will be ready.

So, what causes an aneurysm?  WebMD says family history, life style choices and high blood pressure.  I have to say, I think I agree with Cruz on this one.  Just like the answer to all of life's other tough questions: "God does".

We love you Jess and Jake.  May God Bless you and your families as we all mourn the loss of a wonderful man.  I leave you with "family" pictures of precious memories that will never fade away.

2 Corinthians 5:6-8 "So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord."