Your fellow man

The men's group I attend wrapped up a year of studying the book of Romans this week.

My small group represented a typical cross section of men-both white and blue collar workers.

We got to know each other over the year.

One fellow lost a son who was in his 20's a few years ago.

Another had a son who had struggled for years with substance use and abuse.

Another had a daughter in her 30's who had just been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

One, who had always been so quiet, opened up one night and told us about the atrocities he had witnessed as a corpsman during three tours in Vietnam.

Another had a very ill brother move in with he and his wife so that they could help care for him.

Two missed a few nights due to dealing with very serious health problems of their own.

Another was in the midst of a very difficult divorce.

I let them know about T's sudden death in 2015.

It always hits home that, once again, most everyone you meet is fighting a battle of which you may know nothing about...until you get to know them.

Working through grief is a long process but it makes you so much more aware, it makes you a better listener and it encourages you to get to know others in a way that you had never considered prior.

Life on earth is short. Get to know your fellow man and your fellow woman.

Listen. Love. Support. Encourage. Let those with a recent event know there is a light at the end of the tunnel in which they may find themselves in at this time.