Jayne and I have been on the road or in the air more this Summer than in past years. Having Barrett’s family in Sweden with two beautiful granddaughters and my mother (95) in Tennessee gives us the opportunity to travel. Those granddaughters are amazing, really, I have pictures. There is always many things to experience and learn. One thing is clear, travel in the 21st century in our 60’s is a lot harder and takes more energy than when Jayne and I were wandering the world in our 20’s.

While at home in Mount Hermon life is full with the ups and downs and what it means to be connected with people. Jayne is moving forward with her spiritual direction work and study. She hosts training for spiritual directors in our home five times a year and traveled to Cincinnati in July to train in being a supervisor to spiritual directors.

On Father’s Day one of our star SLV athletes was reported missing. He was found a day later having taken his own life. Jack was 15 years old, a well loved and promising athlete in whatever sport he tried. We had spent a weekend in the Spring together at a QB camp and I was amazed at his skill, attitude and leadership ability. Why? How could this happen? Jack was one of those young men in our culture hiding his dark feelings. No one saw this coming. It took his family and the community completely by surprise. This is my 3rd SLV football player that has taken his life in the last 30 years of coaching. Our family also lost my nephew Greg in 2005 to suicide.

The loss of another young man in my life has caused me to reset, rethink and become more aware of those around me. Jesus said, “love others as we love ourselves”. The problem is that many times I don’t see the other as myself. I desire to look deeper into others to the best of God’s ability in me and be more aware of the pain and suffering that abides in all of us. Lord help me.