thanks

I deal with death every week in sending out sympathy cards. But for the most part, I send cards out to people at work I don't know who have requested a Bible from the union. It's only after they have made this request that I, in turn, send out the sympathy card. They could still go out on bereavement, but if they don't make the request, then I assume nothing about their walk.

But this is different. Way different. Of all the people I have ever sent an Instant Message to, my brother and Frank were the only ones that have communicated with me via IM literally hundreds of times starting in 98 or so. Almost without fail, I have communicated with these two weekly. I just introduced the two "virtually" around the 18th when we had that big meeting at work. In fact I had them both on my screen separately, talking to both of them that same week as well.

Frank was not just someone I knew in college and had NOT communicated with after all these years (graduating in 89). And some that went to his viewing, I haven't seen or talked to since 94. In fact, he was the ONE who I had stayed in contact with all these years.

And we both had our struggles. And I have to say that I did tell him of my experiences and my walk, and my struggles. He asked what kind of bible to pick up and I told him. And I told him to start with John. And I honestly do believe that he listened. He did find a local church and I know he was making big progress in his life.

He was one that made 6 figures (but knew recently that money isn't everything) as a surgical instrument sale rep and had the screen-name "stentmanfrank" of all names. He was involved in a nasty divorce without visitation rights and had turned to alcohol as an escape. But from the sounds of it, he was just recently hired as a VP for a surgical instrument firm and seemed to be really getting himself turned around.

I'm not doubting that he was on the right path, the righteous path, but it doesn't make it any easier. We would ask each other, "when are we getting together?". I ran the miles today, and it came out to 1252 back to our campus, a distance I won't be traveling much, now that mom is here. I went to school about 60 miles away from home.

I appreciate all the kind words, but this has been really, really tough. I know he's at the big party upstairs, I know he is. I just didn't think he get an early invitation.