a message to grieving dads from my hero: my husband, Phil …
Posted is a sketch of mine I call “Heroes.”
Fifteen years ago, on a mild February day, my firstborn son, Joseph, died in a single-vehicle car crash. This sketch depicts two EMT heroes – Jay and Anna, who were the first responders to this horrific tragedy.
They tried to do what they could for my boy and then did everything they could to help me. My pastor and friend, Dane, had just peeled me up off the pavement where I was screaming behind the ambulance that carried my son. Then Jay and Anna came along beside me and carried me to Dane’s car. Shelley was waiting at the hospital.
I illustrate this not to get sympathy. I now have great hope and purpose for my life on this earth and the next one to come. However, I have several reasons for posting this for Father’s Day.
First, if you are a dad who has lost a child, please realize that you are not alone – someone understands your indescribable pain. For years, Shelley has been heroically pouring out her life to those who have lost children – to both moms and dads, but particularly with moms.
Dads are notoriously bad about not talking – and keeping their feelings to themselves. I can think of nothing better to commemorate Father’s Day than to listen to those dads in such pain. Please let me know if I can do that for you.
Second, I would like to illustrate how important it is to value your children and to never take that relationship for granted. If there is tension or a broken relationship between you and a son or daughter, take the initiative now and try to mend the brokenness. There is no guarantee of more time to do so later.
Third, I have sketched this to honor those who serve as EMTs, firefighters, police officers, and hospital personnel – those who witness and choose to become entangled with the worst that humanity and tragedy have to offer. If you see an EMT please thank him or her for what they do – they are heroes in our midst.