We had a very emotional day yesterday. Jullien called me to run him over to the hospital because one of our friends son had just passed away. I was in shock, tried to wrap up the work I was right in the middle of, but my brain was in a fog. I kept thinking, "It can't be true, he'll be okay."
When we arrived at the hospital, there were tons of people there from the high school already, standing and crying in the hall. It was just unbelievable...a 16 year old isn't supposed to die. We have known the family for years. Our kids have played on rival baseball teams and on the same All Star Team for several years in a row.
The dad and his two sons had just returned from their "DREAM COME TRUE" Superbowl. They have been die hard Steelers fans since we first met them. Not just any typical fan...they had flags flying around their house, on their motor home, cars and the dad wore his Steelers jacket year round. They had gone to the game and had the time of their lives...they got to see their beloved Steelers win the Superbowl in person.
The oldest son had been sick and yesterday in the early morning hours was vomiting. His little brother found him unconscious on the bathroom floor. They had revived him at the hospital a few times but eventually were unable to.
They held a candlelight vigil for him last night with over 100 people from the community attending. It was an incredible outpouring of love. The parents attended and thanked everyone for their love and support. They are just in complete shock. I couldn't believe they were even able to show up, I don't think I could have.
Later that evening as I got ready for bed I couldn't help but think about the things that keep me awake at night. All of the worrying over bills, money, my schedule, work...these things are all meaningless. Our kids, spouse, parents, brothers/sisters, grandparents- FAMILY, FRIENDS AND GOOD HEALTH is the only thing that really matters in this world.
Make sure you stop and put your priorities straight today. Hug your kids and family members, tell them you love them, stop stressing and worrying over the unimportant things of this life. This could be the last day you have them...did you waste your time on worrying, instead of building a loving relationship with the people who mean the most to you. My friends would give up everything they have in this world to be able to hug, kiss and talk to their child again.
I needed to be reminded of this and I know a lot of you probably do too.
8 comments:
Your story touches on the biggest fears of every parent.
Does the family have any idea why he died? Why was he sick?
I suppose there is some small comfort for them in knowing that his last days were filled with excitement and joy.
I had to go to a funeral yesterday for my friend's dad. It really makes you think about what's important. I hope your son feels better soon.
They just received the report from the Coroner...the cause of death was a heart attack. He had a heart murmur and the coughing and throwing up was too much for his heart.
It is so unbelievable, you would never think a healthy 16 year old athlete would have a heart attack!
I'm really sorry. I'm sure it doesn't seem real. You're right a 16 year old shouldn't die.
I am SO sorry to hear about your friends son! :(
That is so scary and very sad! My prayers go out to you and your friend at this hard time.
You're so right about getting your priorities straight though... Im guilty of it at times too! Thanks for reminding me.
I hope everyone's doing better at your house!
So true! Thanks for the reminder and prayers and hugs sent to that poor family!
That is so sad. I can't believe it. And I can't believe it was a heart attack. You're right about getting our priorities straight. I can't believe how much we take for granted our good health. We just found out that my next door neighbor, who is about 39 years old and was healthy, has an aggressive form of cancer & had to start chemo immediately after he found out. It's so scary. You really could be perfectly fine one day & sick or gone the next. It's crazy! Thanks for sharing this with us.
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