My friend, Ira, suddenly passed away yesterday. MJ and Jonathon and I, were shocked and saddened. Have you ever met someone who you were always better for the experience…that was Ira. He and I attended a Civil Service Council meeting on the campus of SIUC…and we got in trouble for laughing… I laughed heartily when I visited with my friend. I was sitting in my regular cigar smoking spot in my Camry in a parking lot on Greek Row…when a little Grounds vehicle appeard to be driving straight towards me! When I looked up in amazement…there was Ira…with a broad grin on his face. We rolled down our windows and he told me how a blog that I had written regarding our recently deceased Boston Terrier, Wallace, had brought a tear to his eye. He spoke of his little dog that he loved so much!

I sent an email to an old friend from church. There were years when I did not attend our church on a regular basis. I felt separated from the group and disconnected from the mission. This friend, Jim, no matter how long that I had been in abstentia…never failed to greet me and to make me feel welcome! After each experience…I considered that at least I still counted with Jim!

It is amazing what a simple gesture can accomplish in the life of another! Often I think that I do not want to intrude or to meddle… when a heartfelt greeting or a laugh with a friend…is the, ‘balm of Gilead,’ for a fellow traveller on our road of life!