[RufusACanal]

I am no stranger to death. Working in the Cemetery and Funeral Industry for numerous years, I have witnessed and provided for the loss of loved ones with families on a daily basis. Some deaths are more painful than others to me, not that any are less valued. In my personal life, I have witnessed the passing of many folks over the years. Death never gets easier.

I received a call just a few hours ago that a very close friend of mine in the Midwest had lost his Wife this morning to suicide. It seems like yesterday, but last week we spoke about his situation; separating from his Wife who was battling Alcoholism and prescription medication addiction. We spoke about providing the Wife service and possibilities. We spoke about their young children. In their middle 30’s, this couple had the promise of a life filled with joy and prosperity. I didn’t ask how she took her life, frankly it does not matter. I plan now to help in any way I can. There is a hole in my gut. I have asked God to watch over the family and to lead me as He will.

If you were a drunk like me, you know what the abyss looks and feels like. There comes a time for many of us when we each must weigh the amount of hope available and what choices are left to us. I have found that my reserves of hope had dwindled to next to nothing and dying seemed the only relief, the only escape. What things I told myself near the end; how utterly selfish and tragic I had become. Fortunately, God was not ready for me to die; some days still I wonder why.

Please keep this young woman, the children and my close friend in your thoughts or prayers. Life is worth living, no matter how bad it seems; Life is worth living.