A Sad Goodbye

Greg sitting on the steps of the Little Brown Church,
which plays a part in his novel, Saving Grace

This week we said a sad goodbye to fellow writer and author Greg Cochran. Within a month of his fiftieth birthday, Greg passed away suddenly, leaving a grieving wife and teenage son and daughter.

I met Greg at one of the critique groups sponsored by Inspire Christian Writers. The group had been critiquing his work in progress, a tender story of a Great Lady and a mysterious child in her court, taking place in medieval times. The economy had taken its toll on the Cochran family since Greg lost his job in the pharmaceutical industry earlier in the year. Besides writing, Greg had turned his frustrations toward training the many young athletes he was responsible for coaching at Bradshaw Christian School.

Greg had made an obvious impression on the kids he coached as evidenced by the large number attending his funeral. I remember Greg speaking of his "kids," how they enjoyed reading his novel, Saving Grace, and found it hard to picture Greg as the author.

Saving Grace developed a fan base since its debut in 2008. In fact book sales started to pick up this past summer as word spread about this intriguing novel of angels and time travel. Greg talked about fans who made trips to Pacifica, California and snapped photos in front of landmarks that play a part in the book.

Greg's best friend would say he was a steadfast guy who trusted God. Though large in stature, he projected a gentleness of heart and quiet spirit that calmed the room he occupied. Indeed, his favorite verse laid the foundation for a life which evokes the question, "Why does God take all the good ones?"

Trust in the LORD with all your heart

and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,

and he will make your paths straight.

                                                                        Proverbs 3:5-6