Lily called me up a few days ago. I had not talked to Lily and her family in years. We used to go to the same church but she moved and I moved and … you know how that goes. Well, she said she wanted me to share the gospel to Buddy, a family friend, who is dying in a hospital in downtown L.A.. Of course I was willing to help.

I had a physical exam the other day. Before seeing the doctor, I was given some standard health questions about smoking, drinking, allergies and family history, etc. but there was a new section that gauged any loneliness and depression --- alluding (I assume) to suicidal tendencies. I guess the hospitals are finally addressing the growing epidemic of suicide all over the world. Indeed, more and more people have lost hope in this confusing world. What a tragedy.