Tuesday, February 8, 2011

The Watchman Cometh

I got to know Paul through a mutual friend.  I haven't seen much of Paul in recent years.  In fact, the last time I saw him was at the retirement party for the mutual friend.  In past years, I spent New Year's Eve at Paul's apartment in another city.  We would go to a local establishment to watch the indoor barstool races.  Yes, these were actual races with gas powered barstools going around an indoor track.

All of us worried a bit about Paul.  He drank a fair amount.  He was overweight and didn't take the best care of himself, even though he was an emergency medical technician.  He battled diabetes.  He was always somewhat of a loner.

Two days ago, a family member found Paul dead in his condo.  Paul was just 44.  However, heart disease and diabetes don't always recognize youth.  It appears both played a role in Paul's death.

The primary prayer and hope is that Paul's somewhat wayward soul has finally returned home and that his family can take comfort in knowing that such a return has taken place.

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