I have learned over the years, that usually I am feeling sorry for me when this happens. Not when we lose the little ones, though. My mom and dad, my friend Peter who died this past Wed., were all ready to go on, and needed to go on. I am just left behind, and have/need to carry on here for a while. It is the children that have to leave that really break my heart.

Three years ago, starting on St. Patricks Day, this small town of 5,000 lost 8 children under 15 in 18 months. We knew ALL of them quite well, and day before yesterday an 18 year old young man committed suicide, with a .22. What KIND of desperation would drive a person at the Summertime of his life to do such a thing to himself, his family and friends. We were acquainted with him but did not know him well--ie, was not a close friend of our kids. Thank Gods. I am not sure I can lose another close one for a little while, anyway.

Then, I remember the Words of Wisdom out of my daughter's mouth when she was 4, and my Dad died. She MADE us go to the mortuary at 10PM the nite he died because she HAD to SEE her Granpa. (He was not prepped or anything, just covered with a sheet.) We lifted her up, and uncovered his face-------she said...without a tear "Oh! There is nobody home! NOW I understand!" I will NEVER forget those words out of the mouth of a babe.