January 02, 2008

On Luck

I didn't know her. I never met her. She was 25. We attended the church service today. She died a week ago from a drug overdose.

The Jackal and her brother became friends in A.A. Jackal asked us to convey his love to her brother and that he was sorry that he could not be there.

Old friends -- helplessness and despair -- returned for a visit and smacked me up side of the head. And I felt lucky -- that's the only word I could think of -- lucky that it wasn't my son in the casket.

And I'm sure there are those who say, "There but for the grace of God go I." What does that mean? Let's just take God of every description out of it.

It's just luck.

Oh, yeah -- Happy New Year.

Posted by Bill at January 2, 2008 06:04 PM
Comments

(Big sigh)...and, peace to you all Bill.

Posted by: tracy at January 3, 2008 01:22 AM

Check this out:

http://lizditz.typepad.com/i_speak_of_dreams/2008/01/underage_alcoho.html

Posted by: Joel at January 3, 2008 02:37 AM

I feel lucky too. And that's only because my kid has almost made it to 20. every single day that goes by I feel lucky. Hugs to you and Stace and love in the New Year. I won't say I know how you feel because I know your relief is bigger, but I can understand somewhat. I think.

Posted by: Keri at January 3, 2008 07:31 PM

In those parenting books they never mentioned the most difficult years 15+ and onwards...

Posted by: Anji at January 4, 2008 03:59 PM

I'm very sorry, Bill. Your old friends, helplessness and despair, have led so many, so young in time to "pitiful and incomprehensible demoralization." J and his friend can confirm this, and that ultimately luck is transcended: it's "Life on Life's Terms."
I really am sorry.

Posted by: Kyle at January 5, 2008 12:25 AM