I’m writing today with a sad and happy heart. That sounds kind of odd doesn’t it? But it’s the truth.

A best friend of mine died last week. His name was Donnie Fenlason, and he was my friend. Now us men know that having someone we can call a true friend isn’t all that easy. We tend not to have too many “friends” in our circles. By friend here, I mean someone we can tell anything to - our dreams and our fears, our hopes and our frustrations.

I am so sad because Donnie was a man I could talk to about anything. We had many moments of laughter, and even of tears. Donnie had cancer. He had suffered for over two years. But surgeries and treatments couldn’t stop the ravages of cancer in his body. Judy and I were able to be at Donnie’s home when he died. Months of pain ended with a quiet breath.

I have to admit I’m happy today too. Donnie’s pain has ended. But more important than that is the realization that we’ll be together again some day. Not here, but in a better place. You see, Donnie and I shared more than a friendship. We share a common faith that causes us to hope and believe in a future even after death.

If there’s one thing Judy and I have found over the years as we’ve helped families deal with the death of a child it’s this - faith helps! In fact, we’ve often found ourselves wondering out loud how anyone can deal with the grief that follows the death of a child without strong faith.

I guess that’s all for today. I’m still kind of numb and working through my emotions. Pat