There have been a number of people in my life that have faced more than their fair share of suffering and loss.  It appeared that whenever they pulled themselves out of one tragedy, they were beset with another.  It always seemed that circumstances beyond their control would strike them unexpectedly and pull them back down - just as they were beginning to see the "light at the end of the tunnel".  And sadly, most of them eventually gave up and fell into a life of hopelessness and despair.  Sadly, it seemed to me that some folk seem to be tested more than others.  It just didn't seem fair.  I would often wonder how they could take it.  Most did not.

So yes, most of the people I have known that have faced unimaginable tragedy and despair in their lives have threw the towel in.  But a few of them, a small number of them managed to carry on.   A couple of them are no longer here.  They have passed on from this earth and managed to conquer all that was thrown in their path.  And when they departed, they left knowing that while the struggles seemed to be unyielding, their ultimate victories were sublime.  The strength, courage and dignity in which they faced their challenges inspired not only me, but many around them. They sometimes doubted.  They grieved like everyone else.  Their sorrow and depression was often immense.  Yet each and every time, they came through the storm and forged ahead.

And today, the number of people I know like this are fewer still.  These "beautiful people" that I know are not the type of people that say, "Why me?".  They know that sometimes bad things happen to good people.  I admire their strength and their courage.  And like most people I cannot understand how they manage to carry on.  But they do.  They do because, "The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen".