THE GAME of the year was played out today before millions of viewers. We sat in our living room anticipating an exciting display of passes, runs, tackles, blocks and touchdowns in between the ever-enthralling advertisements of the SuperBowl.

The game started with a rush as the first quarter ended and it seemed like the NY Giants still had a chance to win the game, despite the overwhelming odds. Then, in the second quarter we got the call.

One of our close friends called to tell us that Iarla Mullarkey had died. We have only known Iarla for a couple of years, after he met and married our dear friend Melissa. She was a missionary to Ireland when she met Iarla and after a time of courting, they were married here in the US in late 2005. Even though Iarla had been sick lately, we were praying that he would come through this and bounce back. We were very saddened and shocked by the news. We cried and held each other as we tried to process this devastation.

We continued to watch the game (mostly on mute) until the very end when we actually believed the Giants had a chance of winning. To our utter amazement, the Giants pulled off an exciting, lat minute win over New England.

I sit here now, thinking only of our friend and her loss. I believe that she is only in her late twenties and that Iarla was only in his late twenties. We pray that God will sustain her, and all of us, as we comfort one another.

The Lord giveth and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord. [Job 1:21]