In Memory

I try to keep my Happy Camper posts cheerful. Sometimes I might be reflective or nostalgic. But for the most part, I stay away from pensive, sulky, or morose. Who can be morose in the Happy Camper?! But I have to say it: Each time I write this summer, my words are tinged with sadness.

I have dear friends who have sustained deep losses--sudden unexpected death came to some people who still had a lot of living to do. One was a friend who loved the Happy Camper as much as I do. We had big plans to take it out and have a good time with it by an Ozark river, drinking a few cold ones and playing dominoes. Another was the son of a lifelong friend--he was an early childhood playmate of my own two sons.

And the people of the nearby city of Joplin--their suffering is unimaginable.

It seems impossible to get the words right in this--things come out either understated or overstated somehow. I don't know what to do about that. But if I am privileged to stand by those who are grieving and help in whatever small way I can, I am honored to do so.