Learning to Cope

3 days ago I lost a friend from high school to suicide. He was wild and crazy, and people didn't give him credit for much...he let people think of him that way. I was fortunate enough to see a side of him that many people didn't. During my junior year, I would walk back and forth to lunch with Patrick. One day he said, "Hannah, you know exactly who you are and you are okay with that. Whoever is with you is a really lucky guy." I will never forget that. I still thought about it even before Patrick died. He had a kind heart that many people didn't expect from him. I always had some sort of intuitive fear that something would happen to him, that we would lose him. I didn't really keep up with him after senior year, but he did leave an impression on me. His life and death have brought to my mind how little I pray for those who I know are hurting. I was upset and confused when I heard the news, but that was the first time I had thought about Patrick in a while. I don't want to be that way. 

Today, I pray for Patrick's family, that God's peace and comfort would surround them. I pray that the do not turn away from God but run to him. Please pray.

How have you dealt with the tragic loss of a friend?