Greetings,
Hearts Break … that was the front page headline that greeted readers of the Herald Sun
Tuesday morning. The life and tragic death of AFL legend Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley was then outlined over the next seven pages. It would be fair to say that from conversations I’ve had and emails I have received this week that hearts have in fact broken.
I remember when I was little my grandfather telling me that the only thing we can be sure of in life is death. I thought about that long and hard at the time, and decided that he was pretty right. I also remember the first time I lost someone close to me being overcome by a sense of grief and not understanding why God would allow such a thing to happen. I’m sure that many of us have felt this way, the overwhelming grief at the loss of a loved one, no doubt how the Frawley family are feeling now.
Yet with all the conversations I’ve had and the emails I’ve received none of us have been people that have actually known Danny. So why does it affect us so much?
Maybe it’s because we think we knew him because he played for our team, coached our team, or because he entered our homes on the Bounce each week. Maybe it’s because this death was unexpected and it seems to have come too soon. Maybe, too, it’s because we are reminded that life is precious and fragile and this can make us all a little vulnerable. Each television, newspaper or radio report has been followed with the invitation to call Lifeline (131114) or BeyondBlue (1300 223 636) for support.
Recently Danny Frawley openly talked about his struggles with depression, something that is being spoken about more in recent years. While most of us are not trained professionals we are all able to offer a kind word, a listening ear and ask the question RUOK? We should also be willing to ask for help if we need it.

I said, “God, why don’t You do something?”
He said, “I did, yeah, I created you”

These words come from the song Do Something by Matt West which we listened to last
week. While none of us can do everything we can all do something. Look out for your
neighbours, say hello … maybe you will be the one who makes a difference.
Blessings – Rev Heather.