We had just pulled out of the Lake view Cemetery on Euclid Avenue and were in the middle of the “Hood,” East Cleveland on Euclid and Superior. One minute in an environment that looks like heaven and the next minute in an environment, a few blocks down, that looks like hell.

First, let me tell you that I love you so much and I only want what’s best for you. Secondly, I want to ask for your forgiveness for letting you down but, son, know that your mother did the best she could after your father left us. I give no apology for your father as I know God will hold him accountable for not handling his responsibility as still realizing he is your father and not staying in your life.

I’m a pastor here in Cleveland and I first want to thank you for your way of dealing with this important issue of pre-planning before the need arrives and not after the fact of death. These past several months, I’ve been shocked at Christians – be them young or old – who have not had their house in order in case death comes at that unexpected time.

After reading your past columns on pre-planning and attending a funeral with my husband and nineteen year old son, who lost his best friend to the mean streets of Cleveland, my husband and I did something we thought we’d never do.