Yesterday I received word that a former classmate of mine had passed, it came suddenly & unexpectedly. This woman was a public health nurse for a number of years, she gave of herself and her time for the better health of the community. We were born in the same small country hospital just 3 days apart, my parents knew hers well. She was only 52 years old, she had married a fellow classmate of mine 9 years ago, August 26th would have been their 10th anniversary. I feel sad I guess because this woman was a person that I knew, and knew well..also it caused me to think. Our lives are a delicate balance, hanging on to a precipice ready to go over the edge at any moment. Some willing throw themselves over the edge, either through a reckless life style or self- destructive choices that they make. Still others just choose to give up, feeling that what comes after life is less painful then the day to day agony they are going through. Then there are the innocent bystanders, those people that are living their lives day to day living a somewhat happy existence. When suddenly..without warning tragedy runs right in to them, and all thats left are people to stand around and ask why? I am of the belief that there are no easy or simple answers, which can be a bitter pill to swallow at times. I will remember my friend, I will say a prayer for her husband..who is now faced with the daunting task of carrying on with his life without his partner.