I lost an old friend today
Just heard that an old high school friend of mine passed away last night. I am sure this happens to us all when it does it always puts many things into perspective.
My friend had struggled with alcohol and other things for many years. He was at Mankato State in the 60′s while I was at Luther in Iowa. Mankato was much more of a party school than Luther was and many found alcohol and grass to be their entertainment. I found a lot of alcohol myself and often wonder how I would have come out if I had gone to a wilder party school. I also wonder how I would have come out if I hadn’t married early and been forced to settle down and go to work. I know what it did to my friend, and feel very badly about it as he was a very talented guy who was pretty much let it control his life. Great guy with awesome promise; but don’t think he accomplished any of what he could have.
I haven’t seen him for years, but know he has tried to turn his life around for several years via treatment programs, the last just recently. I am very thankful that I caught the problem before it took me down.
The mortality part hits home and I realize what little control we have in our lives, or deaths. I used to hear that we should live each day as thought it would be our last; kind of impossible maybe, but we do have opportunities every day that we shouldn’t pass by. I was going to contact my friend and visit him, but I didn’t get around to finding him. Could I have made a difference? Probably not as he died from a heart attack, but I could have encouraged him and maybe shared my story with him. Could have helped, I’ll never know.
It is our 45 year class reunion this summer; he will be missed.
Rob, so sorry to hear about your friend who struggled. I am on the board of Midwest Challenge and have a son that has struggled with alcohol.
May the Holy Spirit comfort you and his family.
Thanks Jeff, hope your son wins with the help of God!!