In 1987, my ex filed for divorce. I got fired from my job at a printer. I wasn’t making enough to live on my own, because I had strayed from my real purpose and calling in life, so I wasn’t succeeding. I had bills and problems, a $75 car, and not much in the way of prospects. Then the head gasket on my $75 car failed. And I didn’t even have the $18 a new head gasket would cost. I thought shit couldn’t possibly get any worse, and then Dad died.

I remember sitting in the basement of the house I was going to be vacating soon, and thinking, I wonder if I’ll feel the bullet leave the muzzle? Will it be a strong sensation, or just a loud noise and then nothing? THe muzzle of the 380 was cool and salty in my mouth.

Frankly, the only thing that kept me from pulling the trigger was knowing my soon-to-be ex wouldn’t lift a finger to clean the mess, that my mom would be stuck with the job of cleaning my brains and skull off the inside of the basement staircase.

We all have down moments. I’ve had some bad ones. And I came out the other side, with the help of some very good friends and decent human beings.

Two very decent people and their children are having some serious troubles now. Go, read, and do anything you can, even if it’s only keeping them in your prayers. if all you have to give is prayer, prayer helps.