A few weeks ago, my family, friends, and I took off for a spring break in Asheville, North Carolina. We were set to rent a cabin, see a few sights, soak in the hot tub, and eat too much. We did those things, but midway through the week, we received some horrible news. We learned that Jamie, a boy from my son's lacrosse team, was tragically struck by a car and killed while on spring break with friends.
Upon returning, we had to say good-bye. The visitation and funeral truly honored our friend's life.
The boys played their first game since their teammate's death on Sunday. They played beautifully, almost magically and beat a team they were not expected to beat. It felt good to see them out there, moving through their sadness, digging out of their grief, honoring Jamie by joyfully playing what he loved to play.
I've been a little slow to action over the last few weeks. Grief has pulled me down. I just haven't had the heart to create. But as I watched the boys play on Sunday, I knew what I had to do. Dig out. Work. Do my best. Keep on moving. Honor Jamie's life by joyfully living. And so it is with everything that is happening in the news right now. In time, we've got to dig ourselves out of the sadness. Work. Love. Live joyfully so that we honor those we lost.
Oh, my heavens... I'm so very sorry to hear about the passing of this young boy. You honored him beautifully with your post and I'm sure the parents would be so grateful to learn that someone else saw the beauty in their child. Grief is hard to deal with.. I know. I'm still grieving over my own loss. They say it's part of life but it's a part that even as a young child I did not want to deal or acknowledge it. Sending you hugs, Jenny, and will keep you in my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThank you Kadee. Your kind words are very comforting.
DeleteMy heart goes out to the boy's family and friends. Your post was a wonderful tribute. I, too, will keep you in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mia!
DeleteVery beautiful. Your words are truly touching.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bryan.
DeleteWhat a touching post, Jenny. I'm so sorry for your loss. xoxo
ReplyDeleteBeautifully articulated. Sad for you and those you love.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lynette.
Deletesending heart felt condolences, Jenny....xoxo
ReplyDeleteThank so much, Jane.
DeleteThis post is a beautiful memorial to Jamie. I cannot imagine the profound loss everyone is going thru-especially the parents. My thoughts and prayers go out to all. I hope your art will help you thru your heavy heart. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words Linda!
DeleteIndeed, there are times of sadness in our lives that seem insurmountable, so we honor those who have left us or are hurting and move on. It's called "resiliency," and it is something that we must call upon. Today, I spent several hours watching the healing services and updates on the Marathon bombings in Boston. Although I knew no one closely involved, I still felt the powerful pain and sadness for three lives that were lost and 170 injured, many of them now amputees--lives changed forever. My prayers reach out today to Jamie's immediate and extended families. I am sorry, too, for their loss. Kay
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Kay. My heart is with you too. Despite so much sadness, we have so much love and kindness in our world too. So glad we can share it in ways like this.
DeleteThis is so sad. It must have been very hard on you and your family. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you Loulou.
DeleteI read this via my ipod and didn't know how to respond- thank you for posting and for being so honest- it really affected me. Hugs! Let me know if you need anything.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the hug. I feel it! :)
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