It's been some time since I posted in my blog, but this week has moved me to share an experience with you all, that I know I'll certainly never forget as long as I live.  My friend "Arnie", and a fellow Vietnam Veteran Brother, was very sad for the past two months.  His wife of nearly forty years left him about two months ago.  No one knows why but knowing her like I did, I will never pass a negative judgment on her because I never had to walk in her shoes.  If you aren't inside the marriage when things go sour, you have no right to judge why someone would do such a thing.  They were both excellent friends to me and as far as I'm concerned she's still like a sister to me.  That's the way things were.  We were really extended family to each other.

When Arnie called me to tell me the news, my wonderful friend (who was normally happy go lucky) was sobbing so hard he could hardly tell me of his pain.  I tried my level best over these last two months, to uphold his spirits and show him support the best way I knew how.  As nearly as anyone can figure, last Tuesday night Arnie took his own life.  I've learned over my six and a half decades of experience to never take anyone for granted.  I'm glad I never took Arnie for granted.  We knew we were very special to each other so in that respect, I have no regrets.  I do have tremendous sadness as a result of this awful thing and I don't know that I'll ever get over it.  In a way, I hope I don't.  It goes to show you how much I truly loved this honored brother and that's something I'll never be ashamed of.

If you EVER think that a friend, or relative, or even a stranger is showing signs of despondency, take it SERIOUSLY.  You just might be able to save a life if you'll just show you care.  I wasn't able to, but I'll always know I tried my best.