LETTERS: LIFE GOES ON, AND LIFE IS GOOD

To the editor:

My father died in the prime of his life at age 49 following his fifth heart attack. I was 20 years old and, being wise and knowing all about life, I thought, well, he's old. He's lived his life, and it's time for him to die.

I am now 54 and in the prime of my life. God has blessed me in many ways, and I find that life is good. I look toward each new day with anticipation, because I have found that what I thought I knew at age 20 was nothing. Each new day is a learning experience, mistakes and all. When I awake each morning, I thank God for leading me safely through the night and ask his guidance to help me through the day. He has never failed me.

I have now lived five years longer than my father, and I find that I do not want to die just yet. I know that in my small part of the world there is still much for me to learn. I have only to say to the Lord each morning, OK, Lord, here I am again. What do you have for me today? Yes. Life is good.

I live in a very special neighborhood in the middle of a big, horseshoe-shaped area. We have seen neighbors come and go, but for the most part people have stayed. And, for the most part, neighbors have been true neighbors. We've had backyard cookouts in the summer and bonfire wiener roasts in the fall. We talk across fences or at the mailboxes, help rake leaves or share garden produce. We share each other's joy, whether it be the birth of a child or grandchild, a promotion or a graduation. We also share each other's pain, such as the loss of a job, a trip to the hospital or the death of a loved one.

In our special neighborhood, there are several houses on the horseshoe and eight houses in the middle. We know almost everyone out here. Beautiful neighbors. Beautiful people. In the 25 years we have live here, we have lost through death Mr. Hoeller, Mr. Loucks, Mr. Joiner, Mr. Mosley, Mr. Kight, Mr. Hengst, Mr. and Mrs. Hale, Mr. Perkins, Mr. Staley, Mrs. Finney, Mr. Eddleman, Miss Keller, Mr. Roth and Mr. Allemang. We also remember Mr. Tanner, Mr. Poston, Mr. Whitledge and Mrs. Kibler. If they were special to us here on Earth, think what Heaven must be like with all of them up there. There is a void in our hearts from the loss of these special people. But God is in control, and we can only say, thy will be done. Life does go on, and life is good.

KAREN SUE ROUSSEL

Cape Girardeau