The Death of a Child

I went to a funeral today. The stepson of a friend of mine was tragically killed on the railroad tracks near their home. I could report on the details of the accident but the focus here isn’t on how the accident occurred but instead what his family is going through and what they will continue to be going through throughout the rest of their lives.

Jake was a young man of nineteen years who loved life, enjoyed making people laugh and wasn’t afraid to show love towards his family and close friends. He had a talent for playing the guitar, skateboarding and teasing the heck out of those around him. I never knew the teenager but if he was anything like my friend, he must have been well loved by those around him.

Looking around the chapel as I sat listening to the minister speak about Jake’s life, I couldn’t help but notice the grief that showed on the face’s of everyone there. Looking across to the front of the chapel, my heart ached to see my friend wracked in grief and pain. I cannot even try to imagine what this has done to him as a father. A father tries to protect their children and nothing can possibly be worse when fate takes over control and wrenches them out of our hands. I am a father and I hope and pray that nothing like this will ever occur to my own flesh and blood.

Tonight, now that the celebration of Jake’s life has been completed, the family will have to go on through this “festive season” with one less person at the dinner table. They still have another son and my friend knows that not all is lost as he still has this other teenager who needs his strength and guidance along with a wife who still needs his support. I have no doubt that my friend is a strong man. There is no question in my mind that he will prevail and continue to be the excellent father and husband that he always has been.

In closing, I want to offer my sincere condolences to my friend and his family in the loss of an apple of their eye. I truly hope that time and good thoughts of Jake will help heal the suffering that they will be going through for many years.

Be strong my friend!