When a parent has a beloved child taken from them, the grief, the immediate shock, the emotional pain that manifests itself in physical pain is incomprehensible. 5 years ago, my then 23 year daughter was taken. At least for me, it was not all that unexpected. I could prepare a bit. But, when the tragedy is sudden ... and unexpected, you experience something different.
Now granted, a person's grief is as unique as our fingerprints. It manifests itself in different ways. For some, that grief destroys them. For others, it defines them in a negative way the rest of their lives. 20 years after the fact, they talk of the event as if it had happened the day before. And yet still for others, eventually it fills them with incredible purpose and resolve.
For whatever the cause, Sam and Jake's mom had her heart and soul ripped apart. For any parent, our biggest fear is that our child will be taken before us. But to have to live that fear is a daily burden. I truly hope, and sincerely pray, that one day, Jake's mom will be able to embrace the loving reality that her son Jake gave others so much joy, not just because he played football and was a good kid, but by his passing, Jake is teaching us even more about the grace to love our children more fully and openly, to embrace each day with more passion and resolve and to not let fear be our masters but instead to inspire us to greater deeds.
It is with a sad heart that I embrace Jake's mom into a club that no parent should ever have to belong. You are not alone.