99.75

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Over the past 33 years I have been privileged to provide counseling to untold thousands of clients. 

I have often said, "There are no Cookie Cutter Cases." Each and every one has been different. Oh, there have been similarities. However, when you think you've heard it all... you haven't! There are as many stories, tame or terrible, as there are people who inhabit this planet. And there have been times when I thought, "That fella (or gal) has to be trying hard to get in (and stay in) trouble!"

But I can truthfully say, I have enjoyed every, (well, almost every), minute of it.

And if you do the math, I have been involved in the counseling ministry for approximately 400 months. And continuing to do the math, (given I have only one month remaining), I have completed 99.75 percent of my counseling ministry.

I have so many memories: (Names omitted. Information altered or decades old)

The young lady who was pregnant out of wedlock, and HIV positive. She is gone now, but her little one was born HIV negative, and adopted by the man she married a few years later.

A young man who claimed to be the illegitimate son of Charles Lingbergh.

A woman who attempted suicide three times during the counseling process, (but lived). Two others who overdosed.

A pastor and his wife who were simultaneously involved with other parties.

A young lady who took her father's life, and due to extenuating circumstances was released, and declared "not guilty" as the result of self-defense. 

A middle-aged man who came to me virtually non-verbal, and walked out with the wherewithal to successfully interact with his wife.

An attractive lady who made me aware she would like to "spend more time" with me, (though both she and I were married). I politely declined her invitation.

A teenager who claimed she would, (her words), "go for you when you can no longer go, speak for you when you can no longer speak, and reach, teach, and keep people in your name; long after you have gone on to your reward." (No one ever gave me a better gift).

A precious lady who came to me with various issues, and who, ultimately, served as my associate counselor for the space of 15 years.

And as I have inferred, thousands of additional stories, issues, and needs.

99.75 percent done. The finish line is just ahead of me.

The additional .25 percent of my ministry to these worthy clients remains. I am determined to give them the same time, care, and effort I have afforded the thousands who came before them.

Bill McDonald, PhD