A year ago today, a friend of mine took his own life. Outwardly things seemed fine. He had just sent me a picture of him and his wife kayaking at a state park, with beautiful scenery all around. When we got together for martial arts he always appeared happy and well balanced. But internally he was struggling with profound sadness and despair. I wish I had known. I wish he knew how much we all miss him, and how his absence diminishes the world.