Redemption

Ne`kia Moore

Professor Broadous

PAS 113B

20 April 2012

Redemption

Ernest J. Gaines A Lesson Before Dying takes place in the 1940’s, in a small community in Louisiana. Throughout the book Gaines’s themes reveal universal truths. He demonstrates that racism destroys people; relationships suffer with people’s choices; and redemption can prevail in trying times. The concepts for his themes and setting came from his childhood. He demonstrates these themes through his characters thoughts, emotions, and actions. Redemption plays a major role in the novel. In the 1940’s faith was all African Americans had (Gaines 214). Jefferson and Grant struggled with their faith, they both used to believe; due to dramatic changes in their life’s they lost their faith. Redemption is the action of saving or being saved from sin; deliverance. Throughout the novel Gaines uses imagery of religion to show how Jefferson’s death led him to his redemption, and the redemption of Grant and others in his community.

Gaines illustrated redemption throughout his novel, mostly using Jefferson and Grant. He used Jefferson being convicted of a crime that he did not commit, to show how he lost his faith. Gain then shows how Jefferson working with Grant and the reverend, and knowing what his godmother wanted before she died, helped him to find his redemption.

Gain used Grant's situation to demonstrate that many educated blacks found that their education has separated them from their culture and community. Grants college degree did not teach him to teach his people, his education has taught him to look down on uneducated individuals, such as Jefferson and Rev. Ambrose. By asking Grant, "What did you learn?" Rev. Ambrose proved that the educational system failed to provide African Americans with an education that will allow them to have leadership roles in their community. His position quotes that of historian Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950), who argued that America's education system is designed to enslave the minds of blacks and to perpetuate the myth of black inferiority. As he contends in his groundbreaking book, The Mis-Education of the Negro, "Taught the same economics, history, philosophy, literature, and religion which have established the present code of morals, the Negro's mind has been brought under the control of his oppressor. The problem of holding the Negro down, therefore, is easily solved. When you control a man's thinking you do not have to worry about his actions. . . . The Negro thus educated is a hopeless liability to the race. The difficulty is that the 'educated' Negro is compelled to live and move among his own people whom he has been taught to despise."

While trying to convince Grant to lie to Jefferson so he can be redeemed, Rev. Ambrose's stated that he has no shame about lying to protect others' feelings (Gaines 214). This shocked Grant because he is a reverend; thou shall not lie (Exodus 20:16). Although it shocked Grant, he was able to see Rev. Ambrose as a man instead of inferior to him. Grant then accepted his moral obligation and did what the reverend asked him to do, but he didn't lie to Jefferson about his own beliefs. He tells him that he believes in God, but admits that he is not convinced of an afterlife and spiritual salvation. Although he tells Jefferson he does not believe, he wants him to so he can later believe.

Jefferson and Jesus were both innocent men who were unjustly executed (Mark 15:39). Just as Christ was resurrected and was vindicated, the commemoration of Jefferson's death will also vindicate him. Both Grant and Jesus were looked upon as being teachers. Where Jesus was trying to teach sinners to repent (Luke 5:32), Grant was trying to teach Jefferson how to walk like a man. Ultimately, their teachings lead to the redemption of many.

Throughout the novel, Jefferson becomes a Christ-like figure for the African-American community in his small town, allowing him to die as a martyr; just as Jesus did (Luke 23:34). There are many comparisons made between Jefferson and Jesus Christ. Jefferson’s death, for example, is being compared to Christ's unjust and untimely execution (Mark 9:31). The judge decides to push back Jefferson's execution date to two weeks after Easter (Gaines 157). Easter is Christian holiday which is about the execution of Christ and his resurrection.

Jefferson was an uneducated young man who led a quiet life, working as a common laborer for years, and never speaking a word out of turn. When convicted for a crime he did not commit, Jefferson was initially angry and insubordinate. He began acting like the hog that the whites referred to him as in court (Gaines 4). He never spoke to or acknowledged his godmother or anyone who came to visit him (Gaines 71). Similar to Jefferson, Jesus was a model citizen and was falsely convicted of being the Messiah, the son of God (Mark 14:60). Unlike Jefferson Jesus did not become disobedient, instead Jesus became submissive (Mark 15:1-34).

  Jefferson's godmother asked Grant to teach Jefferson how to be "a man" before his execution, just as God sent Jesus to save the world before his crucifixion (John 3:16). At first Grant was reluctant to help Jefferson. He felt that Jefferson was ungrateful of his help. In one parable, Jesus taught "don't cast your pearls before swine," (Matthew 7:6). He soon comes to realize, that redemption belongs to everyone. Although one might imagine that the "lesson" is taught to Jefferson by Grant, it seems to be the opposite. The greatest lesson is the lesson Jefferson learns: that his death will ultimately lead to his redemption and the redemption for Grant and others in his community. He knew that by refusing to bow down in his final moments, he would make his community and godmother proud. For these reasons, he walked to his execution calmly, and onlookers said he was the strongest man in the room (Gaines 253). Jesus death led to the redemption of many. He willingly allowed his executors to take him so God’s will could be fulfilled. (Matthew 26:50-56).

The novel shows the connection between Jefferson's role in the transformation of the black community and Christ's role in the salvation of all people. Jefferson is scheduled to die on a Friday, like Jesus died on Friday (Mark 15:42). He recalls that Jesus "never said a mumbling word." Jefferson realizes that he is being asked to take the cross: "Your cross, nannan's cross, my own cross. . . . You'all axe a lot, Mr. Wiggins. . . .Who ever car'd my cross?" Jefferson challenges Grant for him thinking that he was somehow less than "youman." Grant hung his head in shame and acknowledged his fault: "My eyes were closed before this moment, Jefferson. My eyes have been closed all my life. Yes, we all need you. Every last one of us." This was the first part in Grant and Jefferson’s redemption.

Rev. Ambrose recited Psalm 23 before Jefferson died. This scripture is an example of redemption for Jefferson. Psalms 23: 4 reads “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and staff protect and comfort me.” Jefferson's last words were, "Tell Nannan I walked." Jefferson’s last words were proof that he was redeemed. The way he walked into the room, straight and tall, he was the strongest man in the room, showed his redemption. His last moments were a tribute to his godmother and a testament to the profound impact Grant has had on his life. Grant helped Jefferson to walk and/or to find his redemption. Paul told Grant he saw Jefferson’s transformation (Gaines 254). Jefferson’s death and how strong he was when he walked helped Grant to find his redemption. Grant's impact on Jefferson is reflected in Jefferson's impact on the community. The community transformed Jefferson’s death into a celebration of life. Jesus rising from the dead symbolized redemption for the world (1 Corinthians 15).

Towards the end of the book the yellow butterfly represents new beginnings. When we think of the color yellow it often symbolizes enlightenment, and the concept of light. The butterfly's flight into the quarter symbolized Jefferson's transformation from a hog, to a man, to a spiritual essence is complete. When Grant entered his classroom, put is ruler down, faced his students and started to cry, this symbolized his transformation from a bitter cynical man to a caring compassionate teacher. This is when Grant found his redemption.

Gaines uses redemption to represent new beginnings. Jefferson received his new beginning through his death. Grant finally found his through Jefferson’s death. And the community’s new beginning also came from Jefferson’s redemption, which gave them faith.

Work Cited

Harris, Stephen L. Understanding the Bible. 3rd ed. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield Publishing Co., 1992.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Ed. William H. Gentz. Nashville: Abingdon, 1986.

The New English Bible. NY: Oxford University Press, 1972.

The Oxford Companion to the Bible. Ed. Bruce M. Metzger and Michael D. Coogan. NY: Oxford University Press, 1993.

Washington, Durthy A. CliffsNotes on A Lesson Before Dying. 24 Apr 2012
<http://www.cliffsnotes.com/study_guide/literature/id-63.html>.

Ferris, Bill. "Meeting Ernest Gaines." July/August 1998. Online Posting. Humanities, Volume 19/Number 4. 24 April 2012.

Why are people homeless?

Why Are People Homeless?

            Have you ever economically thought about why people are homeless? Since the recession of 2008 about 700,000 men, women, and children are homeless on any given night. There are many factors that contributed to this crisis, such as hedge funds, irrational exuberances, subprime mortgage, interest only loans, MBS, and drops in GDP, just to name a few. Many people brought into these securities and when they default the economy took lost. This resulted in many people ended up losing their houses and jobs.

Hedge funds are private owned companies that combine investors’ dollars and reinvest them into different types of financial instruments. Their goal is to do better than the stock market. Because hedge funds were not regulated, use of derivatives helped cause the financial crisis of 2008.

They bought mortgage backed securities. When housing prices started to decline in 2006, the underlying mortgages defaulted. Hedge fund managers thought they were protected from that risk because they owned CDS (Credit Default Swaps). CDS is a contract that insures against default from MBS. However, the number of mortgage defaults overwhelmed issuers and caused the insurance to collapse.

A subprime mortgage is given to borrowers whose credit history is not good enough to afford a regular mortgage. Subprime mortgages offer interest only loans. Interest only loan rates are generally fixed for the first one, three or five years. This allows borrowers to afford a larger home for their families. Most borrowers assume they will refinance before the principal needs to be repaid, and the monthly payment increases. When they couldn't afford the increased payment, many defaulted on the mortgage, and foreclosed on the home.

This irrational exuberance causes investors to overlook deteriorating economic fundamentals in the pursuit of ever-higher returns.

The danger of irrational exuberance is that it doesn't last. The frenzy of greed then turns to the panic of fear, which drives investors to sell at any cost. This collapse in stock market prices can spread to the entire economy.

Mortgage backed securities (MBS) are investments. Their value is secured. When you buy a MBS, you aren't buying the actual mortgage. You are buying a promise to be paid the return that the bundle will receive. A MBS is a derivative, because its value is derived from the underlying asset. Securities are a form of ownership that can be easily traded on a secondary market. Securities allow anyone to own the underlying asset without taking possession. The secondary market allows banks to sell mortgages.

Mortgage backed securities were created to allow banks to sell off mortgages, and lend to new borrowers. This removed the importance for good lending practices. Because banks got paid for making the loan, and didn't get hurt if the borrower did not pay off the loan. Banks weren't as concerned about the credit of the borrower.  

Mortgage backed securities allowed financial institutions other than banks to enter the mortgage business. Before MBSs, only banks had large enough deposits to make long-term loans. The invention of MBSs meant that lenders got their cash back right away from investors on the secondary market. Mortgage lenders sprang up everywhere, and they also weren't careful about who they lent to. This created additional competition for traditional banks, which had to lower their standards to keep the loan volume up.

MBSs were not regulated. Mortgage backed securities allowed more people to buy homes. Many less careful banks and mortgage companies made loans with no money down, allowing people to get into mortgages they couldn't afford. The lenders didn't care, because they knew they could sell the loans, and not pay the consequences when and if the borrowers defaulted. When investors all flock to a particular asset such as real estate, the prices of assets become over-inflated due to excess demand. Since many investors, pension funds, and financial institutions owned mortgage-backed securities; everyone took losses, creating the 2008 financial crisis. 

Recessions are caused by a decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). GDP measures how fast the economy is growing compared to the previous quarter. If it is growing, so will businesses, jobs, and personal income. If it's slowing down, then businesses will hold off investing in new purchases and hiring new employees. When the economy is expanding, the GDP growth rate is positive. When we’re in a recession the economy contrast, then GDP growth rate is negative. This happened in 2008 and 2009, when the GDP growth rate was negative for four quarters in a row.

The decline of manufacturing orders, falling housing prices and sales, and a drop in business investments, caused the GDP rate begin negative for four consecutive quarters. The result of this slowdown was fallen employment, and rising unemployment. This increases layoffs and job loss.

According to jobs report the current unemployment rate is 8.3% and the number of unemployed begin 12.8 million. From March to December of 2007 the unemployment rate went from 4.4% which is 1.5 million to 5% which is 7.6 million, despite the slowing job growth. In 2008 the unemployment rate rose from 4.9% to 7.2%. Due to the huge job loss in 2009 the unemployment rose from 7.6% to 10%. The unemployment dropped in 2010 from 9.7% to 9.5%. And in 2011 the unemployment rate dropped from 9% to 8.5% leaving 13.1 million people unemployed.

As the number of job loss increased so did the number of people becoming homeless. Those who were once a part of the working middle class are now a part of the lower class. 46.2 million people are living underneath the poverty line, that’s the highest in fifty-two years. African Americans make up the largest number with 27%, followed by Hispanics at 25%, Asians with 12.1%, and whites making up 9.9%.

Today’s generations are affected the most. Young people from ages fifteen to twenty-four have no work experience, low education levels, and are living under the poverty line. Entry level jobs have been replaced as minimum wage jobs. This makes it makes it harder for young people to find a job, especially those who have dropped out of school at a young age. A college degree is no longer guaranteed against destitution. Many young people are moving in with family members and friends to save money. This also causes them to under the poverty line.

Since the recession families have become financially distressed. Assistance programs for the less fortune have cut and eligibility rules have been stricter. About one billion people are hungry every day. Although food stamps are now accepted at almost all places, they are now that much harder to get. 900,000 to 49.9 million people are now uninsured, because the qualifications have changed. These things are forcing families to live in shelters or out on the streets. This generation is the first that’s worse off than their parents were.

Jobs give people the opportunity to have all the things that they are now forced to live without, because of the decline in GDP. The financial crisis of 2008 caused 13.2 million people to become homeless, one billion to become hungry, and left 12.8 million jobless in America. 

Des-tory

Nekia Moore

02/19/12

PAS113B Mon-Wed

Des-tory

I've come to 7th station every day for the last two years trying to make it right. I don't know how she did it, but she always saw the good in everyone. I'm here from nine to five, wearing the same clothes that they last saw me in. I'm looking for a person, anyone of kind heart; to whom I can give my fortune to.

           It was seven o'clock, September 22, 2010, a Wednesday. I was driving down the 405, traffic as always. It came to a halt; I turned the dial looking for the traffic station, when I heard it. 187 Memory Lane Paradise, California 61587 was set on fire. The world became empty for a minute and those words played in my head over and over again. Three miles away from home, I got out, and ran the whole way there. I stopped dead in my tracks when I saw the flames; tuning out the sirens, noisy neighbors, and the firemen. I just watched my life burn for a minute. I asked God why? When I saw two stretchers come out of the front door. I ran over to them hopelessly, breaking through the caution tape, and yelling to the police men that this is my house. I looked over their unrecognizable bodies and broke down. My wife and son were gone. I stood there, frozen for a minute, listing and watching the lights and sirens fade away. I felt like I didn't exist, like every moment of my life was just a dream. When detective Morgan asked me for my name, I looked at him confused. I couldn't even remember my own name. "Hicks" "Hicks," I heard my neighbor Lisa yell. Des-tory Hicks I told detective Morgan, as he took out his pen and notepad. He asked me for my age, the name and age of my wife and son. He also told me that the fire was started by Ferro cerium on my deck, and he would do his best to find who did it. He then gave me his number and left.

The fire was out and my wife and son were gone. I had nothing left but their ashes. I didn't know how to go on from there. Lisa came over to console me. She had been a good neighbor for the last five years. She always came to our get togethers’ and our son's birthday parties. She offered me dinner and told me I could stay at her place tonight if I'd like. I just wanted to be alone. I asked her to take me to a hotel. I didn't sleep that night, or any night that followed. I couldn't remember the last time I ate, or the last time I was hungry. I felt like an empty vessel; they were all I could think about.

            I remember when I first met her. I had just graduated from business school and began working from a major business corporation in health care. I couldn't take my eyes off of her; I watched her for hours. My company was doing our annual fund raiser for A Second Chance at Life. It’s a shelter that helps people get back on their feet. She treated everyone with respect. She hugged them and tended to their every need with a smile on her face. Even though volunteer hours were over, she was still there. Everyone loved her; they surrounded her for hours just to talk to her. She was phenomenal. I had to get her away for just ten seconds. But I knew a women like that had to be taken. I talked myself out of it, then back into it, then back out of it again. I had to take a chance. I hesitated for a second, but I couldn't help myself. I approached the crowd that surrounded her, made eye contact, and told her they needed her in the kitchen. I lied. I followed her into the kitchen; she turned around and asked who needed her when she saw the kitchen was empty. Hi my name is Des-tory Hicks, I'm twenty-five years old, I live in a house in Paris California, I drive a Bentley, I have no kids, and no one to share my life with. My company sponsors this foundation. I watched you for hours, not to sound like a creeper or anything, but I think you’re... I mean, I just... What I'm trying to say is... She put her hand on my shoulder, smiled and said, “I would love to go out on a date with you.” She pulled out a napkin and pen, wrote her number on it, and said, “My name is Jean.” She smiled and walked out. She went back to say bye to everyone, they lined up for hugs. I watched her leave. I knew she was the one. I looked at the napkin in my hand with her number on it, heard her voice say her name, and I smiled.

I called her later that night, we talked for hours. I mostly just listened to her talk. She had the sweetest voice. She talked about her dreams, aspirations, and her beliefs. She believed we’re all on missions, and that everything happens for a reason; it’s all a part of God’s plan. Before we hung up, we had scheduled a date for tomorrow night at 7. I picked her up and we went to A Little Piece of Heaven. It's an Italian restaurant on top of a hill, over the city, by a lake. We had a wonderful dinner. When it was over we walked down by the lake. We saw a family of ducks swim by; she pulled out her left over bread and fed them with it. I had never seen so much kindness in one person before. When she was done, we sat under a tree and looked at the stars. She said, “Make a wish.” I wished to be all she ever needed. When she was done with her wish, I kissed her. It was the sweetest kiss I’ve ever known.

Five years went by; we got married, and started on our family. The proudest moment of my life was the birth of our son Bobby. I now owned a chain of health care businesses, and was the top health care provider. I had all types of offers to sell my businesses, but I wasn't interested. I wanted to leave them to my son when he was older.

I began to cry at my memories. I just had to get away. Staying in that room with those memories were going to drive me to insanity. I walked where ever my feet took me; I had no destination in mind. Somehow, I wound up on the metro and rode it until it reached the end of the line; 7th station. I got off, sat on the floor, and watched the people. I wonder what their lives were like, who they were, and what have they been through. Most of the people just looked at me with disgust, others walked in the opposite direction when they saw me. Occasionally I'd get a person who would try to give me change or something to eat. I just politely shook my head no and said God bless. I came back every day and sat in the same spot. I began seeing familiar faces. There was an older lady who always had her dog that pissed everyone off. There was an old man who always read the paper and complained, to anyone who would listen about how the government is putting Americans in poverty. But a young couple with their son stood out to me the most. They had to be in their early twenties, and their son looked about two. I guessed they would be going to drop him off at his grandmother’s house; I overheard them say that one day. I assumed the young man worked, because he always wore a suit; while the young lady took classes, because she always had a back pack with textbooks in her arms. One day they stopped, and she asked, “What is your name?” Des-tory Hicks I told her. She said, “My name is Yolanda and my son’s name is Devian.” The young man shook my hand firmly and said, “My name is Richard.” They’ve tried on numerous occasions to give me money, but I've always told them to buy their son a toy with that.

        One day Lisa came by my hotel to see how I've been. She said, “Its’ been months since I last seen you.” Lisa was around my age with no kids or a man. I assumed she was lonely. Now were in the same boat. I knew how she felt. She said, “You must be driving yourself crazy sitting in this room alone all day.” If she only knew, I thought. She looked around and saw no dirty dishes and noticed that I haven’t changed my clothes. She asked, “When was the last time you ate or changed your clothes?” I shrugged my shoulders. She insisted that I come over for dinner, and she wasn't taking no for an answer. We went back to her place and she made baked chicken, broccoli, rolls, and mashes potatoes. It was nothing like Jean's. But I smiled, thanked her, and told her it was delicious. She tried conversing with me, but I didn't really have much to say. On the way back to the hotel she asked, “Have you heard anything back from detective Morgan?” I said no, but it got me thinking how she knew his name.

In the morning I went in my pocket, found the paper with detective Morgan name on it, and gave him a call. I asked if he found anything yet. He replied, “No.” Lisa called later that evening wanting to know if I would like to come by just for a change of scenery. I said yes, but not for the reasons she thinks; I wanted to know what she knew about the fire. She began talking but I cut her off to ask her how she knew detective Morgan was the one on the case. She said, “From the news that night, he did an interview.” But something just didn't feel right. I asked her to take me back to the hotel. She asked,” Is something wrong?” I said no, I just don't feel good.

            Weeks had gone by before I heard from Lisa again. When she called she said, “I need to talk, and you’re the only person I could confine in.” When we got back to her place she poured a glass of wine and told me her sister passed away from breast cancer. She started talking about the good times they had together, and then she began to cry. She said, “She was all I had.” I held her and told her I know what it’s like, Jean and Bobby was all I had. She looked up, wiped her face and said, “Well now we have each other” and kissed me. I pushed her away; stood up and asked her what was wrong with her. She said, “I’m sorry, I just thought since we've been seeing each other you were feeling me.” No, I said. I still love my wife. She stood up and said, “Its’ been a year, get over it.” I was on my way out the door when she jumped in front of me and asked me not to go. She said, “I’m sorry, it’s just the wine talking.” We sat on the couch in awkward silence for a minute when she said, “I could never forget them either.” She walked over to the desk and pulled out a newspaper in plastic and showed me it. It was a report on the fire. Things were just getting too crazy for me. I left and walked back to my hotel. My head was spinning with suspicion. All those facts Lisa had about my tragedy. I couldn't sleep that night.

It was late evening of the next day, Lisa showed up at my room to apologize for the other night. She invited herself in and began to talk about how stupid she was for what she did. Then she began to talk about how lovely she thought Jean was, and how she was just over there talking to her hours before the fire broke out. When she was on her way out she turned around and said, “I love just like Jean did.” I slammed and locked the door behind her.

First thing in the morning I called detective Morgan. I asked him what he knew about my neighbor Lisa. He said, “She was the one who called about the fire, and before I left she stopped to talk to me.” I told him that she said she knew him from the news interview he did the night of the fire. He said, “I never did an interview.” I also told him about the newspaper article wrapped in plastic; and that she was over there before the fire broke out. Detective Morgan said, “I’ll check it out, and I’ll call you as soon as I find out anything.”

It was about two in the afternoon when a knock came upon my door. It was Lisa. She barged her way in the door and sat on the bed. I asked her what does she thinks she’s doing, when my phone rang. I stepped outside to take it, it was detective Morgan. He told me he found the Ferro cerium rod that Lisa started the fire with and the newspaper article; but Lisa was nowhere to be found. I was in shock. “Hicks are you still there?” detective Morgan said. Yeah, I said; she's in my room. "Are you ok?" he asked. Yeah I'm fine, but I have the murder of my family in my room. “I know it’s hard Hicks but stay focused.” “I need you to keep her there until we get there.” “Can you do that Hicks?” So many thoughts were running through my mind. “Hicks!” detective Morgan yelled. Yeah, yeah I can do that. When I came back in she was on my bed in her underwear. What are doing!? I asked her. I'm trying to show you I can be everything Jean was and more. This is ridiculous, put your clothes on, I said. She jumped up and screamed “What's wrong with me?” “Why won't you love me?” Because I still love my wife, I yelled. “Well she's dead and never coming back”, she yelled. Watch your mouth, I said. “Ok fine,” she said, gathering her things. I walked over to the couch and put my hands on my head. When I heard her say, “Ferro cerium, that's a hell of a way to start a fire; don’t you think Hicks?” and chuckled. I looked up there was a .45 pointed at me. Tears rolled down her face as she said, “I'm sorry, I love you.” My life flashed before me. POW! I couldn't believe it. She had turned the gun on herself; Detective Morgan busted in the door at that moment. I told detective Morgan what happened, the ambulance arrived, and he drove me to another hotel. Before I got out he said, “If you ever need anything call me.”

These last two years were something else, but I'm glad my wife and son have justice; they can finally rest in peace.

After I pulled myself back together, I went back to 7th station looking for the young couple and son that I used to see there. They had to be like twenty-five now with a son about the age of five. When I saw them right away the young lady recognized me, she came over, and hugged me. She reminded me so much of Jean. I asked if I could take her and her family out for lunch, I have something I need to talk to them about. I took them to Dave and Busters. I explained to them what happened to my wife and son, why I used to be there dressed like that, and what happened with Lisa. I just wanted to thank you for your kindness, I said. You remind me so much of my wife. I want to leave everything I own to you and your family. I own a chain of low income health care facilities, three cars, two houses, and about 500 acres that once had the mansion that my family and I used to live in. I'm not taking no as an answer. You deserve it. Your kindness meant so much to me. She began to cry. She got up, hugged me and said, “Times are hard for my family right now, but I’ve been praying to God for a break through.” “You are truly my blessing,” she said.

“Everything happens for a reason. You never know what someone is going through. I think this was God’s plan;” words of a wise woman.