I can't die

I had the opportunity to attend a funeral yesterday afternoon. An old friend's daughter was murdered earlier this week. The news deeply saddened me. Not in just her passing alone, but in the way her life was taken. I remember meeting her when she was 3 or 4 years of age. My friend, who I have not seen or talked to in over 10 years, is mourning a tragic loss. By his side are his wife, and 2 other children. A son and a daughter. After the service ended they shook hands with all 1500+ that attended and mourned by their side.

I say opportunity because nothing puts life in perspective like death and a funeral. And I'm always looking for perspective on life.

Upon the hour commute from the service back to my house, I had plenty of time to reflect on the loss of a promising life cut far too short, the service, and my friend's family. I also thought how such an event would change Mason's life, if my life, or heaven forbid, my wife's life was cut unexpectedly short. No matter the cause.

What will happen to Mason when I'm no longer around?

Will he have the necessary life skills to carry on until his own mortal expiration date?

Will he have forged at least some sort of personal relationships with others that love him that will ultimately serve him well?

I'm sure I'm echoing what almost all parents of children with special needs have expressed at some time or another.

While I sincerely hope Mason gets mainstreamed in the classroom setting and is successful in his "book smarts", will I ever be able to get him to comprehend "street smarts"?

How do I teach that to a child that has little to no social skills?

I wish they sold immortality in a bottle.

To my friend, I offer you my deepest sympathies. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and suffering. May God bless your family in this time of great need.

R.I.P. Melanie Goodwin 1988 - 2007