My friend who is putting me up since the split is on a losing streak. He has lost his marriage, both parents, and brother in the past four years, and last year his ex left the area and has made visitation difficult.

Perhaps a very wise, healthy and well-counseled person could get through all that unscathed, but that’s not Marc.Unfortunately, he’s been in the hospital three times over the past year for anxiety and depression and is also battling thyroid and cardiovascular problems.

This morning was particularly difficult for him. At 5:30am, he awoke stressed and I gave him a quick massage and reassured him. At 6:30 a better massage, and lots of deep breathing. He managed to shower and dress, and went down to cook him a proper breakfast. Fresh miso soup with winter squash and green cabbage, leftover brown rice and azuki beans, and fresh steamed broccoli and radishes. He complained that it looked like a dinner, but he ate it. A few minutes later he walked to the train, and I promised to take him to the gym for a steam after work.

I predict he’s going to have a better-than-expected day. Prayers might help.