Saturday, December 25, 2010

My best friend is dead

Sister Rania is dead. She was my best friend. She died on Christmas eve together with her superior and Sr. Salvatorina who knew me since I was a student 20 yrs ago. They were on their way from the Sea of Galilee (Convent of the Mt. of Beatitudes) to Bethlehem for the Midnight Mass but their car skidded and smashed into a pylon. http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/three-italian-nuns-killed-two-injured-in-car-accident-in-beit-she-an-1.332777 Sister Hiam, my other best friend survived but I don't know how serious her injuries are.

I was with Rania just that day before. We were laughing and chatting, giving high-fives and sharing our woes and problems. We talked and talked. We ate timsum and she liked it very much. And I said I'll die before her. But she said she'll go first and prepare a place for me. She was my best friend. She promised to meet me in Bethlehem for Christmas. She never made it. Her whole community was with me as we prayed vespers and adored the Blessed Sacrament. Then the next day all 3 sisters of the community died.

My poor poor Rania. Why? I should have gone first ... why must you always have the last word? My poor Rania ... and Sr. Salvatorina. I have no words .... she was my best friend.