Throughout life, an individual must overcome many obstacles to reach the pinnacle of success. Unfortunately, an individual may not be able to enjoy the highest point of fulfillment in their life, because they have passed away! For example, in “A Letter to His Wife, 1861,” Sullivan Ballou (1861) died in the First Battle of Bull Run, a war led by former President Abraham Lincoln. Ballou wrote a letter to his beloved wife named Sarah; the delivery of the letter was contingent on his death. Ballou fought for what he believed in: civil rights and the security of his country; I believe Ballou reached the pinnacle of his life when he died for his country: a war hero. Sullivan Ballou's family suffered a great loss upon his death, he was a loving father and husband. Ballou also realized that he had experienced great loss, when he stated: "The memories of the happy times I spent with you creep up on me, and I feel very gratified towards God and towards you for having enjoyed them 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 gather all the great memories he shared with his family and lay them out in his touching letter. Ballou recognized how lucky he was, when he enjoyed 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: wife and two children; Ballou realized that it was his responsibility to fight a war that could end the suffering for his country as a whole, but in exchange, the war can create a new form of suffering for his family, after his death. Ballou admitted his faults to his wife in in his letter he stated: “Forgive my many defects... middle of paper... ade to choose him for the spiritual task. Job realized that he would have to experience loss and suffering in the name of God to pass the test that God had given him. God stated: “Who is it that 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 foundation of the earth? loss he must endure to complete his mission. Job realized the meaning of his life when he realized the greatness with which God convinced him of his calling. Job forgave himself for his sacrifices because he realized that he had been taught by God. Unfortunately, life has many obstacles and untaken paths. I don't think we should regret the mistakes we made in the past. Or we may be too reluctant to make the right choices for our future.