I was the first in our household to wake up that morning last week. I had left my cell phone on a charger in the kitchen, and when I got down there to feed the dog, there was a text message from a friend.

The news was sad but not unexpected. A longtime Waitsburg resident had passed away during the night. His last months had been a struggle. But even when you know it's coming, the end isn't something you can ever prepare for.

It was early, before seven. The morning was chilly but consolingly beautiful, a relief after so many days of harsh winds and stormy rains. There wasn't as much as a bre...