Melancholy Monday

Today was our college friend's memorial service. He took his own life, as they say. He was the best and the brightest, and it tugged at our hearts to see his wife, mother, brother, gorgeous & poised high school senior daughter, first wife and zestful 8-year-old son. 

What really got us was that the pastor at the beautiful church on the corner of Broadway and 114th Street said our friend had just this season been among helpers putting up the fresh, towering tree and other festive decorations under the sacred ceiling.

How and why did the light go out for our friend and the darkness close in?

We will always ponder that, the question left unanswered, the sorrow and desperation, the fast or slow decision to exit life's road. The conclusion to our friend's life story will remain beyond our grasp. We are not in his inner circle, we are college friends who respected and adored him as he led our newspaper team.

Kinda puts all this holiday stress in perspective, I'll tell you that.

Sail safely through the stars, my friend.

Good night.