He’s one of the most positive people I know — and he’s in pain. His marriage is unraveling, leaving him exposed and vulnerable. As we sat at the table, I could see hurt in his eyes.
If I had three wishes, I’d give one to him.
We had lunch the other day and shared our personal woes. Both of us are having cognitive problems from the stress we’re under — I can’t remember squat right now, for example. He’s having similar issues. He’s losing his marriage. I’ve had a tough couple of years with my parents. It’s exhausting. Grief has walled off part of our brains. But what could have easily turned into a pity road trip never quite got there. We got off the first exit and headed in a more positive direction.
He’s worried about his kids. I’ve always known him to be a great dad — so his concern doesn’t surprise me. He’ll still be in their lives — thanks be to God.
Speaking of, he said that God obviously wanted him there for a reason. I admired his ability to try to find a diamond of good in a big heaping pile of crap. He knows love will get him through this. He has been volunteering and trying to help others. He did that before this latest crisis. But now, it’s good therapy. He has a way of inspiring people — and I have to admit, he inspired me.
Winston Churchill said it best, “If you’re going through Hell, keep going.” I know it is tempting at times to lie down and quit. But we all have so much more inside of us than we use. There are times when you have to take a long, hard look at your life and decide what’s truly important. My friend had the decision made for him. But he’s doing a great job plowing through the pain.
He’ll be fine. I have faith in him and his heart. And I’m proud to call him a friend.