Our human hearts have limited view. And in times such as the death of a young person, we can only see the senselessness of loss. We're unable to find reason in the tragic event. And it is tragic. There's loss, fear, and bewilderment. We need to find an explanation. Yet, if we look hard enough, we can take such pain and give it purpose. A greater good is hidden in just about every negative in life.Whether personally, as a nation, or on a world scale, giving purpose to suffering also gives it meaning. This can spread to positive motivations and change, transforming a devastating and senseless loss into a human memorial for goodness.
The most common thing to do when death calls a young person much too early is to ask why. Over the past five years, I've attended funerals for far too many young people. And by young I'm referring to such ages as 21, 22, 15, 22, & 27. Initially, each cut deep. Being so short, their lives felt like a waste. They couldn't have been finished here, yet. For those left behind, answers were needed. But slowly, over time, close friends, family, and even mere acquaintances were moved to reflect upon their own lives, search for meaning and--yes--purpose. And most realized that, although these lives were short in the view of time, they'd lived and left behind something for us to learn. Their time was not wasted, and the memories they've left live on, continuing to inspire, nurture, and even make us laugh.
Look at what Ryan Fischer--high school senior, straight A student, amazing athlete with offers to West Point and the Naval Academy--has done here after his death, beyond his physical state. It's worth the watch.
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What's your thoughts on how we view tragedies?
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That video brought tears to my eyes when the opposition skated out to join them.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard dealing with tragedy when it hits young people. My city is now dealing with that after the recent murder of five college students.
Heartbreaking to lose anyone, but when the young die that heartbreak is compounded by a lot of other emotions, including anger. The video was so touching. It was wonderful see youth being so kind and supportive.
ReplyDeleteWow, passed away just hours before the game. Those kids were probably in shock. That was very moving seeing them all go to the net at the end.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very moving video. One of my friends just lost her child. It socked us in the face, I can tell you that.
ReplyDeleteDamyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2014, My Latest post
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ugh. i hate the idea of burying a child. and child tragedy. it hurst and makes me feel helpless.
ReplyDeleteSo sad. The loss of anyone always causes grief for someone, but to see a life unfulfilled is so hard. Very touching news clip.
ReplyDeleteAs a teacher I've said good bye to too many teenagers. I can never find the good. Our family also had a loss and all the love shared afterward and the funds raised for charity can't fill that empty spot. It teaches resilience to the survivors and perhaps appreciation of each day they have with loved ones. Very touching post.
ReplyDeleteThere is a young man in the UK with terminal bowel cancer whose charity appeal aimed for £1 million - he achieved it this week and when the news got out its donations doubled in 24hours
ReplyDeleteVery touching, indeed.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to think that someone could pass away so young and so suddenly, and yet, he seemed to have served as such an inspiration to those around him.
ReplyDeleteDeath is hard to deal with at any age, but especially with young teens. I remember when I was in high school and a boy died on the basketball court from an aneurism. Total shock because he was such a strong, healthy athlete. And a few years ago, one of my students was terribly impacted by a roommate ODing. She had to move back home because she was haunted by nightmares.
ReplyDeleteSuch a touching tribute...
ReplyDeleteYoung lived do leave their mark as shown here.... Always, Always, Always, heart-wrenching, but these young people need to be remembered and will be...
Yeah. Death is tough no matter what the age it visits those around us. But when a person is so young, we don't know what more they could have done with their lives here. Yet, as this video shows, their lives continue.
DeleteI grew up in a small town and attended a small high school, and still, we lost five classmates between our junior and senior years. It was very difficult. Excellent post!
ReplyDeleteDeb@ http://debioneille.blogspot.com
Oh, wow. That must have been so difficult for the entire community. Thank you for sharing it here.
DeleteAnd thank you so much for visiting. I love that!
It's a lovely tribute to this young man's memory. Thank you. Take care
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Take care, too!
DeleteThat is exactly what I thought when I first watched the video. Then, I started thinking about how powerful our lives can be even after we've exited this plane of existence. Intriguing to ponder.
A wonderful testament. Tragedies definitely test us in life but I think that's the point. We have to learn to take meaning from them, to appreciate every day and live it to the fullest because that person no longer can. That is the greatest honor we can give their memory.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why some of us have to suffer. Nice to meet and follow through #atozchallenge. http://aimingforapublishingdeal.blogspot.co.uk
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