Thursday, February 28, 2013

The Aftermath

When we last checked in on our heroine, she had just gotten devastating news about her son's football coach......

That's all I could think about last week. I just couldn't shake it. I've only known this young man since October but he had such a great impact on my son and our family in such an amazingly short period of time.

We scrambled to get #2 and the other boy jerseys with the coach's college number on them. They arrived on Friday for the Saturday funeral. #2 wore the jersey for the service and then again to school on Monday. The service was beautiful. Turns out, he was the extrordinary young man that we thought he was. My #2 and his friend had signed a football that the florist attached to the spray that we sent. His parents loved it so much that they tucked it under his arm in the casket. My son is with him forever. I tear up just thinking about it. His sister gave each of the boys a framed picture of him from his college football days.

His father came to football practice on Sunday and pledged to the boys to help coach them. He thought it would be what his son would have wanted. We are grateful.

His father also told us the full story about how he died. Long story short: he was bench pressing 530 lbs. and bouncing it off of his chest. Bruised heart that led to a heart attack. There is just so much wrong with all of this.

*****

It's currently Thursday. Almost a week after the funeral, and I'm still so angry. So hurt. I went to church on Sunday hoping for a little comfort but realized that I was pretty angry at God. Angry for taking such a great kid in the prime of his life with so much to look forward to. Angry that my son had found a mentor and coach that was ready and willing to work with him for the long term. Angry that my 11 year old has to deal with such grief and loss. Angry that a man with so much joy in his life and so much to live for would jeopardize his health and life by doing something so stupid.

I know God has a plan, His ways are perfect, but that doesn't mean that I have to like it.

I almost didn't write this. It's still fresh and painful. But I want to remember. I don't ever want to forget such a generous and caring young man, and I want to be able to remind my son that you can be a big football player and be gentle of heart too.

*****

Go Jayhawks!

5 comments:

Karen Rothfus said...

I'm sorry......but thank you for sharing, it brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of those I have lost that have made a great impact on my life, especially those that occurred in my youth, that I haven't thought of in a long time.

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

I'm so sorry. It really, really sucks.

Liz@thisfullhouse said...

Sounds like the young man was a true blessing, most especially to all who knew him. I am so very sorry.

kyooty said...

hugs!!! Now that all those boys know or may know what happened, it's a lesson. They will remember what happened and it's etched in their memories of what not to do. I'm so sorry for your loss and the coach's family.

Rocks In The Wash said...

I wish I could fly right over and be with you right now. Death is difficult in so many ways. With regards to your boys, I look at this being a blessing; your boys had a great mentor in their lives. They had someone to look up to, to share experiences with, to aspire to become. Your boys will forever remember his guidance and have cherished memories of football at this time in their lives. Sadly, there are times that we lose those we care for all too soon. Have your boys keep their coach in their thoughts during practice and games days. I can't think of a better tribute for him.
XXOOs