A Hard School

Posted on June 26, 2022 by mitchteemley
A Hard School (mitchteemley.com)Photo by Alex Conchillos

My cousin Cody struggled his entire short life with depression, addiction, and soul crushing self-doubts. He learned to drive that wretched machine in a hard school. And yet in the midst of the struggle he found time to exhibit extraordinary kindness toward others. With the help of his mother a few years back, herself a recovering addict, he renewed his commitment to rehabilitation, and earnestly offered his soul to his Creator. But then last week, in a moment of despair, Cody ended his life. God knows what he went through, every hard lesson, every crash and repair. And now, free from all the encumbrances of that wretched machine, I believe Cody is on an endless highway with his Redeemer.

†

About mitchteemley

Writer, Filmmaker, Humorist, Thinker-about-stuffer
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69 Responses to A Hard School

  1. sandyroybessandbugzy says:
    June 26, 2022 at 11:39 am

    My thoughts are for your family and his dear Mum. These ‘wretched machines ‘ . Very much appreciate the C. S. LEWIS quote. Take care.

    Reply
  2. AT SUNNYSIDE - WHERE TRUTH AND BEAUTY MEET says:
    June 26, 2022 at 11:51 am

    My condolences to you and your family for the loss of your cousin Cody. ❤️🙏

    Reply
  3. Liz Gauffreau says:
    June 26, 2022 at 11:56 am

    Please accept my condolences on the loss of your cousin.

    Reply
  4. Rita Sommers-Flanagan says:
    June 26, 2022 at 12:34 pm

    Very tough road, Mitch. Thanks for putting this news and your expansive faith out there for others to take comfort from…

    Reply
  5. Under the mask.. says:
    June 26, 2022 at 12:43 pm

    💔🌷And amen.

    Reply
  6. gregoryjoel says:
    June 26, 2022 at 1:16 pm

    I can’t push the like button. I’m so sorry for your loss. My son Jeremy died two years ago. Addiction is a bear that eats everything around it, destroying the life of the addict and all those who love them. I, too, am in recovery and the loss of anyone to addiction or the issues associated with it brings tears of sadness and even anger. The road some of us travel is more difficult than others but God is faithful and loves each of His kids. We were never meant for such roads…

    Reply
  7. Mike U. says:
    June 26, 2022 at 1:26 pm

    So sorry to hear this, Mitch. I’ve struggled with major depression and PTSD all my life and can attest to the fact that it’s indeed a “wretched machine.” Prayers on the way for Cody’s family and you and yours and all who knew and loved him. My sincere condolences.

    Reply
  8. Gail Perry says:
    June 26, 2022 at 1:32 pm

    WordPress needs some other reaction buttons. “Like”

    Reply
  9. Gail Perry says:
    June 26, 2022 at 1:36 pm

    Is hardly appropriate. We are with you and the rest of the family during this horrible time. Addiction, recovery, PTSD, all of it, creates a road filled with obstacles. Sometimes, they’re simply too much. I pray that Cody has found peace with God. Lots of prayers surround both him and you. ❤🙏

    Reply
  10. artsandletters9 says:
    June 26, 2022 at 1:40 pm

    Sorry to hear about your loss. Condolences to you and the family.

    Reply
  11. Steve Beckham says:
    June 26, 2022 at 1:50 pm

    I will sit with your sorrow, my friend. May peace and understanding come to you and your family and may your mutual love and the presence of Christ carry you through.

    Reply
  12. Krista says:
    June 26, 2022 at 2:34 pm

    So sorry 🙏⚘

    Reply
  13. Chioma says:
    June 26, 2022 at 2:50 pm

    My condolences to your family.

    Reply
  14. murisopsis says:
    June 26, 2022 at 3:07 pm

    My sincere sympathies to the whole family.

    Reply
  15. gwengrant says:
    June 26, 2022 at 3:09 pm

    Heart to you and yours. So sad. So sorry,
    Gwen.

    Reply
  16. Tides and Tidings says:
    June 26, 2022 at 3:20 pm

    Please accept my condolences too may Cody Rest in Peace and Rising in Glory, nearer to God know the happiness he missed here

    Reply
  17. seekingdivineperspective says:
    June 26, 2022 at 4:38 pm

    I’m so sorry, Mitch. I’m sure you’re right about where Cody is, and that God understands any and all struggles. He is so much more gracious than people! That Cody could be kind in the midst of his own troubles says volumes about his heart.

    Reply
  18. Rosaliene Bacchus says:
    June 26, 2022 at 4:39 pm

    So sorry that you’ve lost your cousin Cody. Only God knows our struggle against the darkness of depression.

    Reply
  19. Neese says:
    June 26, 2022 at 4:49 pm

    Sorry for your loss Mitch…

    Reply
  20. Abe Austin says:
    June 26, 2022 at 5:02 pm

    I am sorry for your loss and for Cody’s pain.

    “In the quiet heart is hidden
    Sorrow that the eye can’t see.”

    Reply
  21. peggywritesblog says:
    June 26, 2022 at 5:04 pm

    So sorry for your loss. Prayers and sympathy for you and your family and Cody’s family. Blessings.

    Reply
  22. Uncoffined says:
    June 26, 2022 at 5:11 pm

    My condolences for Cody’s family, friends, and all who knew him.

    Reply
  23. Piano girl says:
    June 26, 2022 at 6:37 pm

    I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing about his life so honestly. ❤️

    Reply
  24. lisaonthebeach says:
    June 26, 2022 at 7:59 pm

    Oh, I am so sorry Mitch. So glad to know he is with God now, and so sad for all the heartache 🙏

    Reply
  25. Jennie says:
    June 26, 2022 at 9:39 pm

    I am so sorry for all of you, yet for Cody I’m glad he is with God who loves and understands.

    Reply
  26. Mary Sweeney says:
    June 26, 2022 at 10:46 pm

    I’m so sorry, Mitch. Praying for God’s peace.

    Reply
  27. LindaCat says:
    June 27, 2022 at 12:12 am

    My deep and genuine empathy sir. And I do believe you are correct I the end.

    Reply
  28. #hood says:
    June 27, 2022 at 4:21 am

    can you tag luke 11:30 with luke 13:30

    Reply
  29. Maren says:
    June 27, 2022 at 5:40 am

    I am so very sorry for this loss and glad for the assurance of his easier road and so tearful because someone I love beyond measure is held in the crushing arms of depression and addiction and is one of the kind and gentle souls. May peace surround you.

    Reply
  30. Nancy Richy says:
    June 27, 2022 at 7:30 am

    Sincere condolences for this devastating loss. My heart goes out to you and you entire family at this time. God bless. 🙏🏼

    Reply
  31. Niki Flow says:
    June 27, 2022 at 7:45 am

    Mitch, I’m so sorry for your family’s loss of Cody. He sounds like a beautiful guy. My heart goes out to his mom especially, and to all of you. We have lost many in our family to this beast. ♥.

    Reply

  32. Pingback: A Hard School — Mitch Teemley | Ups Downs Family History

  34. OIKOS™- Art, Books & more says:
    June 27, 2022 at 9:20 am

    Also from me condolences for the loss of your cousin Cody. Sometimes life is very unfair, but as the quote you have choosen says, there is our redeemer, and he knows. Best wishes, Michael

    Reply
  35. joannie6535 says:
    June 27, 2022 at 10:13 am

    I read somewhere that an addict has to fight every minute of every day…a constant and never-ending battle. His pain and suffering are over, he is with God. The battle is ended….no more tears. My prayers for your family and for Cody’s friends. 🙏🙏

    Reply
  36. Ann Coleman says:
    June 27, 2022 at 6:27 pm

    I’m so very sorry for you and for your entire family! Losing a loved one is hard enough, losing one to suicide is even harder. I have no doubt that he is with God, and his suffering is over.. I hope that is at least a small comfort to all of you!

    Reply
  37. grAnnie Roo says:
    June 27, 2022 at 8:13 pm

    Deepest condolences, Mitch and Family.

    Reply
  38. gracespeaker says:
    June 28, 2022 at 7:28 pm

    I’m so sorry. I am forever amazed at the burdens people carry.

    Reply
  39. musingsofmanettekay says:
    June 30, 2022 at 1:31 am

    Mitch, I’m sorry for this tragic loss. May God provide comfort like only He can as each one grieves. I will be praying for all the family and particularly for Cody’s mom. Her pain and loss are real to me.

    Reply

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