Sleep Tight My Friend

How does one prepare for a tragedy? Is it possible? You cope. You cry. You find comfort in comforting others. You cry a little more. You get mad. You remember. It's been said there is no greater grief than what a parent experiences from the loss of a child.

Two-year-old Magnolia lived next door to SAS in Waldo. Almost a year ago she suddenly and unexpectedly passed away. There are no answers when her parents ask "Why?"

The website www.maggiesshoes.org tells you more about this sweet child. In her honor and in memory, Maggie's parents, family, friends and SAS are planning a run/walk to benefit "Sudden Unexpected Death of Children," Oct. 30, 2005 in Kansas City. Please support if you can. There's info on www.maggiesshoes.org.

Mrs. Sheehan, a California mother, lost her 24-year-old son on April 4, 2004. He was killed while serving in Iraq. I read in "The Times" she's holding vigil outside W's Crawford, Texas ranch and plans to stay put until W meets with her to discuss the war. Her grief is real. She wants answers.

Cowboy's father passed away April 4, 2005. He wasn't shocked by the news, but it still was unexpected. He tells me there's no way to prepare to say good-bye. He never received many answers.

Years ago, in our Quality Hill place, Cowboy set the tv on a timer. He said it gave the appearance of someone being home. I think he wanted me to watch. I did sometimes catch the evening news. Many questions I had about the world were answered. ABC's long-time news anchor, Peter Jennings, will be missed.

"Please turn out the light."