when franz found out about the death of his closest friend, mccandless, he renounced the Lord, and became an atheist. "i decided i couldn't believe in a God who would let something that terrible happen to a boy like alex." (into the wild)

i think for the longest time, i always thought that i would blame God if he ever took away something that i could absolutely not live without. but, after reading what became of franz at the end of chapter six, i felt like.. that this wasn't the right way for him to feel. the mourning is what we inevitably will need to go through in order to endure, and overcome a tragedy. but to blame God no longer makes any sense to me.

mccandless was one of the most extraordinary people, and best of friends that franz has ever met in his entire life. mccandless changed franz, and showed him that there was more for him to seek, and grab in life.

God gave us gifts, your closest family.. friends. to say that he was the one responsible of taking away any of those relationships "away" from us-- who are we to throw those gifts away, and not appreciate what he has given us. shouldn't we be thankful for the time we've spent with out loved ones? and be thankful for what we've learned from our loved ones, and experienced with them?

in the last letter that mccandless sent to franz-- he wrote:

"you are wrong if you think Joy emanates only or principally from human relationships. God has placed it all around us. It is everything and anything we might experience. we just have to have the courage to turn against our habitual lifestyle and engage in unconventional living."

franz has been given a gift from God, and an experience which changed his way of living. i hope franz eventually gained the courage to put down the whiskey once again, and thank God for His gift to him.