This past weekend, I learned the man I considered my big brother (I only have a younger sister) and my hero for enduring all he did passed away Friday evening; sadly by taking his own life. He leaves behind a wife and two children, the youngest of whom is in the 5th grade.

Destroyed is about the only word that seems to fit. Not a one of us knew. We never saw a sign that there was a problem. He had one of the best laughs of anybody I've known. At one time, we were roommates, and he strongly encouraged me to expand my casino chip collection because he could see how much fun I was having and how much enjoyment it brought me. He was one of the good guys, and I am going to miss him so much.

In this age of internet, I would like to keep quiet the how part of his death, so please understand if I only say his name was Rod, and he was only a few years older than I am.

So please, if you would keep Rod's family in your thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks, I would greatly, greatly appreciate it. Thank you very much.