Throughout his life, an individual must overcome many obstacles to reach the climax of his life. Unfortunately, a person may not be able to enjoy the highest point of fulfillment in their life, because they have died! For example, in “A Letter to His Wife, 1861,” Sullivan Ballou (1861) died at the First Battle of Bull Run, a war led by former President Abraham Lincoln. Ballou wrote a letter to his beloved wife named Sarah; delivery of the letter depended on his death. Ballou fought for what he believed were civil rights and the security of his country; I believe Ballou reached the highest point of his life when he died for his country: a war hero. Sullivan Ballou's family suffered a great loss in his death, he was a loving father and husband. Ballou also realized he had experienced a great loss when he said: "The memories of the happy times I spent with you invade me, and I feel very grateful to God and to you for having them enjoyed for so long. (p. 445) On the date Ballou's letter was written, I believe his life flashed before his eyes, and he was able to piece together all the great memories he shared with his family and friends. expound in his touching letter. Ballou recognized how lucky he was to be able to enjoy life with his family; he realized the loss he would suffer if he did not return to them. Ballou was an honorable man, and although he left behind a family: a wife and two sons; Ballou realized that it was his responsibility to fight a war that can end the suffering of his country as a whole, but in return, the war can create a new form of suffering for his family, upon his death. Ballou admitted his faults to his wife in his letter, he stated: "Forgive my many faults...... middle of paper ......ade to choose him for the spiritual task. Job realized that he had to suffer loss and suffering in the name of God to pass the test God had given him. God said, “Who is he who darkens counsel with words without knowledge? Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you will declare to me... Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth” (p. 667) God informed Job that he was not able to question the loss he must undertake to accomplish his mission. Job realized the meaning of his life when he realized the extent of God's intervention to convince him of his calling. Job forgave himself for his sacrifices, because he realized that it was an instruction from God. Unfortunately, life has many obstacles and many paths to take. I don't think we should regret the mistakes we made in the past. Or we may be too hesitant to make the right choices in our future.