At my age, 81, and having lived in the same community all my life, I’ve known many people.

As I reflect back on my school years, my marriage, raising my children, belonging to different organizations and in business dealings, I sometimes think of the people I knew, enjoyed their friendships and how they are no longer with us.

I’ve attended a lot of funerals over the years.

Some were family members, close friends, casual acquaintances and others.

The one thing that families of the deceased need more than anything else is sincere sympathy and someone with whom to share their feelings.

We don’t realize that grieving is a longer process than one or two months.

Recently, I saw a lady at the grocery store that lost her husband a year ago.

I asked how she was doing.  “Harold, I’m okay, but it’s hard.  I have my moments.”

She then related an incident that happened the week before in the cemetery.

She said, “I was by the grave and started crying and I couldn’t stop. I didn’t realize anyone else was in the cemetery. Then a lady put her hand on my shoulder and said, ‘It’s OK to grieve.”

She didn’t say much more than that.

“Harold, I will never forget that stranger who consoled me with just a few words, much love and understanding.”

That experience reminded me that God will give you what you need when you need it.

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.