Sometimes There Aren’t Words
January 20, 2011
The friend of my oldest two boys, the boy who was severly burned died at 4:30 this afternoon.
We had not heard any updates all day. The last update wasn’t good, but there was still hope. And we all clung to that hope. We wrapped it around us and let it carry us through our day. The boys and I told each other that no news was good news. Right? Isn’t that what they say?
The boys went over to the family’s house tonight to offer their condolences. The entire road was filled with cars. As we walked through the maze of cars to get to their front door all I could say to them was, “He was loved.”
I watched my boys walk into the house. I watched as first one and then the other, knelt before the parents who were delirious in their sadness. I watched my boys simply acknowledge the parents grief. I watched as they quietly stayed there, knowing they could do no more than say they were sorry. And yet they stayed there. I watched them cry. I watched them do something that most grown men would have trouble doing. I could not have been more proud of them.
I walked out of that house with men.
Kennedy, Ikenna, you will be missed.
My 14 year old just texted me from his room. Would I tell him what I thought of what he wrote before he posted it on Facebook:
Rest in peace, Kennedy.
You were an amazing friend and always will be. Even though you aren’t here with us right now, you will always be with us in our hearts and memories forever, which we shall carry with us until we once again reunite with you.
It is beautiful and perfect just the way it is. And that was what I texted back to him.
RSS feed for comments on this post.
I’m so sorry… crying with you.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:10 amChris, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss to your community. I had a similar loss as a teen and it truly colors so much of the rest of your life. Your boys sound like they really are wonderful young men.
I can only imagine the pain for Kennedy’s family. I’ll have them in my prayers.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:14 amI am so very sorry. Sending love and prayers to your family and his.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:17 amI had been praying and hoping for good news since you first tweeted, and am so, so sorry to hear he didn’t make it. My thoughts go to you, and your boys, and of course the family. What a beautiful tribute your son wrote.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:17 amIt is perfect, and I am so sorry to hear the news.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:34 amChris, I am so sorry for this loss of your boys’ dear friend, and for all the other losses that go along with it–of that sense of invincibility, etc. But your pride in your sons is well placed–how impressive for them to deal with their loss in this way. Hugs to you and yours.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:39 amI’m so sorry for this loss! I lost a good friend as a child and can still remember it like yesterday even down to the expression on his parents’ faces. I’d be a very proud mother if I watched my own children handle it with the grace you described here…and your son’s facebook post is perfect!
January 20th, 2011 at 1:47 amMy heart weeps for your family, as well as Kennedys. You have raised amazing, compassionate young men. I am so sorry~
January 20th, 2011 at 2:01 ami enjoy your blog so much and feel like you and your family are friends through it… tonight, i can’t stop my tears as i read your post… it really does something to our hearts to watch our kids respond to something so sad in such a sensitive way. i will keep your boys and their friends parents in my thoughts and prayers as they work through this heartbreak.
January 20th, 2011 at 2:08 amthank you for sharing your life with us.
…and that was your goal all along Chris, not to “raise up children” but to “raise up adults”. The punchline? No one could have ever told you how much you’d grow right along with them.
January 20th, 2011 at 2:11 amI am so very sorry.
January 20th, 2011 at 3:29 amCondolences to your sons on the loss of their friend, and to all of those who loved the boy. I have no other words for such a tragic event.
January 20th, 2011 at 3:43 amI am so sorry Chris.
January 20th, 2011 at 3:52 amI’m so very sorry to hear this, great big virtual hugs to each one of you. Your sons message is very eloquent and well written and I imagine it will be much appreciated and offer some small comfort to his friends family.
January 20th, 2011 at 5:51 amI’m so terribly sorry, for you and your sons and their friend’s devastated family. I’m glad they have you and your sons to share their pain, because in the end just having someone to understand the depth of your grief at times like that can be so very important.
And awful though this is to have to hear about, I am glad to see you blogging again since Christmas, I have missed your updates.
January 20th, 2011 at 7:14 amI hope you and your boys and their friend’s family can find comfort as you grieve.
That is just so sad. I’m s sorry for your boys loss and the loss to the community.
January 20th, 2011 at 7:32 amOh Chris, I’m so very sorry. I’ve been checking your blog hoping to see that Kennedy was recovering. {{{HUGS}}}
January 20th, 2011 at 7:33 amSo deeply moved by this. I am so sad for Kennedy’s parents. You have been honored to see a glimpse of all the time and effort, love and compassion that you have put into your boys.
January 20th, 2011 at 7:34 amThoughts prayers and tears go out to Kennedy’s fammily and friends
January 20th, 2011 at 7:42 amI am sorry for Kennedy’s family and I am sorry for yours. If only there would be no such thing as grief. But, as you wrote, with grief comes growth of character. Without even knowing your boys, I, too, am proud of them.
Peace…
January 20th, 2011 at 7:54 amI am so sorry for your loss. So hard to understand why things like this happen. You must me very proud of your boys. Thank you for sharing.
January 20th, 2011 at 8:43 amI am so sorry to hear this. I am really sorry that your kids have to go through the loss of a friend at such a young age. Especially sorry for the parents of Kennedy. You are all in my thoughts today.
January 20th, 2011 at 8:44 amTears, words are tough. Nothing seems to be enough in this situation. So sorry for everyone’s loss of Kennedy - his family, his friends, his friends’ families. So tragic.
January 20th, 2011 at 8:52 amI am so, so sorry…they are much too young to experience this kind of pain.
January 20th, 2011 at 9:00 amI grieve for you and your boys. And yet, in that grief, is a profound sense of gratitude that there are such young men as yours in the universe, who see sorrow and are not afraid to acknowledge it. You have done, and continue to do, a wonderful job of raising such compassionate people.
January 20th, 2011 at 9:08 amI’m so very sorry for your loss.
January 20th, 2011 at 9:12 amI am so sorry to hear that. No parent should have to lose their child
January 20th, 2011 at 9:18 am(((hugs))) there are no words. I’m sorry for you and your young men.
January 20th, 2011 at 9:20 amSo difficult for you, your kids and that young boy’s family. I don’t know them but my heart goes out to them.
January 20th, 2011 at 9:20 amWhat beautiful words your son text about his friend. I was so very sad to read this today. Your sons comfort to their parents will be remembered the rest of their lives. May the memories they had with their friend be treasured forever.
January 20th, 2011 at 9:41 amMy heart aches for all of you…
Your boys just taught me how to better deal with a situation like this. They are amazing kids. I am so sorry for your loss. It is such a tragedy.
January 20th, 2011 at 9:41 amOh wow. I am so sorry.
January 20th, 2011 at 9:47 amI can’t even imagine. You have raised some great kids, hugs to all of you right now.
January 20th, 2011 at 9:59 amOh, Chris, I’m so sorry. I’ve been keeping this family in my prayers. What a hard, hard thing - and so hard to watch your boys go through grief so young. You have raised some fine men.
January 20th, 2011 at 9:59 amI am truly touched but your sons’ actions during their time of grief. It is apparent that you have raised loving, compassionate and thoughtful men. May God bless Kennedy, his family and friends.
January 20th, 2011 at 10:01 amI am so very sorry.
January 20th, 2011 at 10:12 amtears… so many tears…
January 20th, 2011 at 10:14 amOh Chris, my heart is breaking right now. I’ve been checking in for an update, hoping for the best. Continued prayers for Kennedy’s family…and for you and yours. I may not know your boys, but I am proud of them after reading this.
January 20th, 2011 at 10:16 amOh I’m so sorry. My heart goes out to your sons, you, Kennedy’s family. What an aching loss.
January 20th, 2011 at 10:32 amOh, I’m so sorry. You’re right — there are no words.
January 20th, 2011 at 10:41 amChris, this breaks my heart. No family should have to go through this.
When I was a senior in highschool, we lost a good friend in a car accident - Jan 11, 1992. Even now, I still think frequently about Mike - what he’d look like, where would he have gone to college? It was a life changing experience.
Kennedy’s family and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers as you process and cope with this tragedy.
RIP Kennedy.
January 20th, 2011 at 10:42 amMy sympathies to your family and the family who lost their son. You have incredible young men and should be proud. The Facebook post is perfect.
January 20th, 2011 at 10:46 amI’m so, so sorry Chris. For your family and theirs. What a gift to witness the kind of friendship your boys had with him, and to see how they open their hearts when something like this happens. I am very sorry.
January 20th, 2011 at 10:48 amIt is so sad when a child dies. I’m so sorry your boys have to go through this, my heart hurts for them.
January 20th, 2011 at 10:52 amAbsolutely heartbreaking…I’m so sorry your boys have to go through something like this at such a young age. :o(
January 20th, 2011 at 11:03 amOh - I am so sorry!
January 20th, 2011 at 11:03 amWow, Chris. You raised some great kids. That right there is proof. Sorry to hear of his passing.
January 20th, 2011 at 11:13 amI feel so sorry for the loss your family is experiencing. I will be sending good thoughts your way.
January 20th, 2011 at 11:13 amOh the grief. I am so sorry for your boys and soooo soooo sorry for Kennedy’s family. What an unimaginable tragedy.
January 20th, 2011 at 11:27 amI’m so sorry.
January 20th, 2011 at 11:34 amNo parent ever wants to lose a child. Your son has the right words. Blessings to all.
January 20th, 2011 at 11:42 amAwwwww so sorry
I will pray for Kennedy, his family, your family and the whole community while you all are grieving.
{{{ HUGS }}}
Karen
January 20th, 2011 at 11:54 amMy heart breaks, not only for Kennedy’s family, but your’s as well. So glad your boys have each other, as well as the many friends that Kennedy evidently had. Prayers for all of you.
January 20th, 2011 at 12:08 pmI’m so sorry. For your sons. For Kennedy’s family. For you.
January 20th, 2011 at 12:09 pmI’m so sorry to hear this.
January 20th, 2011 at 12:47 pmI’ve never left a comment although I have been following your blog for over 2 years.
Thank you for your giving and enriching my Life through writing about yours and your families personal experiences.
What a delicate personal experience in your Boys Lives, I’m in tears, I have 3 boys myself.
There is no doubt in my mind that this event will have a lasting impact in your sons lives and they will carry that with them in many ways.
They will have a gentleness and compassion that cannot be attained any other way.
I lost my brother when he was 18 years old, my prayers are with you. He was only 18.
Prayers to you and yours. Sara
January 20th, 2011 at 12:51 pmI am so sorry. Thank you for sharing your pride in your boys — it was very moving. Tragedies like these are just impossible to understand — your sons’ instinctive goodness is wondrous.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:00 pmI’m so sorry. I will be thinking of all you in the days and months to come.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:17 pmSo sorry. Keeping their family and yours in our thoughts.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:21 pmPrayers for Kennedy’s family and friends…
Your young men did an amazing job last night visiting the family…
January 20th, 2011 at 1:22 pmI’m so sorry your children had to experience loss like this, and my heart is just breaking for the family. Although their friend’s family is likely overwhelmed right now, the love and support they are receiving will give them comfort for a long time. You should be very proud.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:28 pmR.I.P. Kennedy.
Prayers for comfort for all who loved him. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:31 pmOh Chris…I don’t even know what to say. I am so sorry the boys had to deal with something of this magnitude so young. My heart goes out to you all.
January 20th, 2011 at 1:41 pmI’m SO sorry to hear this! Yesterday when I checked in and it was quiet I couldn’t help but think that with the news you shared days ago, any and all quiet would make me worry so… I am so glad that you, your sons, and the family all have each other in the support of this grief.
My heart goes out to all of you!
January 20th, 2011 at 1:56 pmI am a youth minister and can’t tell you how perfect what your sons did. Too many people can’t find the right thing to say in the midst of horrific grief and so they do nothing or say something horrible. Crying with someone is gift.
January 20th, 2011 at 2:01 pmI’m so sorry for everyone, for him, his parents, your boys, and you. What an awful unimaginable thing to go through.
January 20th, 2011 at 2:10 pmHeartfelt sympathy to your family and community….
January 20th, 2011 at 2:15 pmI’m so terribly sorry.
January 20th, 2011 at 2:17 pmlots of love.
so sorry to hear this, my prayers are with his family and yours.
January 20th, 2011 at 2:18 pmI am sorry to hear your sons’ friend passed away. And what wonderful boys you are raising, to rise above their grief and offer comfort.
I’m so sorry they are going through this and that they have to lose someone close to them so early in their lives.
January 20th, 2011 at 2:25 pmMy best friend died at 16 years old from the burns she received in a house fire. 30 years later, it still hurts. I can’t imagine the pain her mother feels every single day.
January 20th, 2011 at 2:30 pmOh, I am so very, very sorry. My prayers go out to his family, for strength and courage to get through each day, and to your sons and their friends in their grief.
January 20th, 2011 at 2:36 pmThis is heartbreaking. You’re so right - they are men now. It’s hard to watch our kids go through such pain, but you prepared them well… with full hearts.
Praying for Kennedy’s family. Such an awful tragedy.
January 20th, 2011 at 2:41 pmI can only echo what everyone else has said. The fact that he died trying to help someone says a lot about him, a truly wonderful person has been lost.
January 20th, 2011 at 2:59 pmYou’ve done a good job with your boys. They are turning into the men you can be very proud of.
I’m so sorry for your family and Kennedy’s family. I wish there was more to say or do. I have two young boys, and I hope they will grow up to be compassionate, sweet men like your boys. Hugs to you, Chris.
January 20th, 2011 at 2:59 pmI’m so sorry for your family’s loss….
January 20th, 2011 at 3:02 pmMy prayers to yours and especially to Kennedy’s family. So heartbreaking when the boys were only trying to help someone that morning.
January 20th, 2011 at 3:06 pmOh Chris, I’m crying too. I’m so sorry for your boys and for that family. Many positive thoughts and prayers being sent from over here.
January 20th, 2011 at 3:22 pmI am so sorry.
January 20th, 2011 at 3:29 pmI am so deeply sorry for your loss …my heart and prayers will be with you all.
hugs all around
January 20th, 2011 at 3:33 pmI am writing this with tears streaming down my face. I am so sorry. So sorry for the boy’s family and so sorry for your boys and all the other friends who have to deal with this tragedy. As the sister of a brother who died too young, I can say what you and your boys did sounds perfect. Too many people try to make statements that they feel will help, but the truth is they rarely do. There are few words that can help. But simply being there showing your care and concern is so very helpful and more meaningful than you’ll ever know until you are the one on the other side. What wonderful men you have raised!
January 20th, 2011 at 3:49 pmI am so sorry. I will hold his family and yours in my prayers.
January 20th, 2011 at 3:51 pmI’m touched by your young sons words. You should be proud of your boys, along with yourself, for having a hand at raising such kind and caring young men.
Such a horrible tragedy; such a horrible loss.
I’m so sorry.
January 20th, 2011 at 5:25 pmI’m very sorry. It’s wrong for parents to have to bury a child and it’s wrong that kids have to understand the finality of death. Your sons are handling it with strength and grace and no one can ask for more.
January 20th, 2011 at 5:40 pmMy prayers are with your family.
Chris, I am so sorry to hear about Kennedy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and yours.
January 20th, 2011 at 5:53 pmI am so sorry for your boys. So sorry for Kennedy’s family.
January 20th, 2011 at 6:00 pmSitting here broken hearted, for the family, for your boys, for everyone who knew Kennedy. An unimaginable tragedy. I am so deeply sorry. I know you must be so, so proud of your boys.
January 20th, 2011 at 7:14 pmI WAS getting so worried that you hadn’t posted and just thought I would check in today and see, before finally breaking down and emailing Susan to see if you were, in fact, OK…and while I am so glad you are all OK, this really was the very next worse thing that could be imagined. Will keep you all in our prayers at this most difficult of times :((
I’m so sorry for your loss.
January 20th, 2011 at 7:40 pmWhile I can’t imagine losing a child, I am sure that knowing how beloved their child was is comforting to them. Your son has his mother’s gift of words and wisdom.
January 20th, 2011 at 8:48 pmMy thoughts are with his family and all of you who loved him. My brother was severely burned and nearly lost his life, I have been thinking about their friend since you mentioned him the other day. You are raising some incredible men, what he had to say was perfect. Let them know that there are people all over thinking of them, praying, and grieving with them.
January 20th, 2011 at 9:42 pmI am so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you all and praying for comfort.
January 20th, 2011 at 10:27 pmI’m sorry for you’lls loss. Read about Kennedy, just great young men all around. Comforting to know that the guys at BAMC gave it all they had and that Kennedy had such good friends.
Peace be with you all.
January 20th, 2011 at 11:25 pmSo very sorry to hear about the loss of someone so loved. And so in awe of the way your boys are handling it.
January 20th, 2011 at 11:35 pmI felt every emotion written in every word. I am so very sorry. Your boys are truly amazing — you can only imagine where that comes from.
January 21st, 2011 at 12:46 amOH so sorry to hear this. ANd yes, how proud you must be of your boys. And how tightly you must be hugging them tonight.
January 21st, 2011 at 1:33 amSo tragic. I’m terribly sorry to hear this. I will pray for peace for Kennedy’s family.
January 21st, 2011 at 1:41 amI am so very sorry to hear that Kennedy died…my heart goes out to his family and all who loved him. Your boys are so loving and compassionate. There is nothing anyone can say to Kennedy’s parents that will make it better, “I am sorry” and to know that others love him is just right.
They are growing into beautiful men, I know you are proud of them. I am.
January 21st, 2011 at 5:48 amPrayers for all of you and for Kennedy’s family.
January 21st, 2011 at 9:21 amPraying for Kennedy’s parents for some peace during their time of need. Praying for your boys too.
January 21st, 2011 at 9:43 amChris, that is so, so sad. God be with that family as they miss their son. And bless your boys hearts. You have every right to be very proud of them. I just cannot wrap my mind around the grief that family must be going through.
January 21st, 2011 at 9:51 amI’m so sorry to hear about this terrible tragedy. Your boys will carry their friend’s memory with them always, and it will make them stronger. Thinking of your and Kennedy’s family today.
January 21st, 2011 at 9:55 amI am so sorry to hear of the death of your sons friend. He should have had his whole life ahead of him… I am truly saddened for your family’s loss and that of Kennedy’s parents. You are all in my thoughts.
January 21st, 2011 at 9:57 amYour sons showed more compassion and caring than quite a few adults do. You guys are doing a wonderful job.
January 21st, 2011 at 10:01 amIt is so hard to walk your children through grief, not least because you can’t carry them. They have to do the walking. And yes, they grow up on that walk.
Heart breaking for your kids, for you, for that family.
January 21st, 2011 at 10:09 amI feel like I will never understand why the weaver needs dark threads. But I’m looking at the underside of the tapestry, and only at the part I can see, from my limited, human vantage point. Holding on to the promise that God can work ALL things for good. I don’t see how sometimes, but it’s what I cling to.
January 21st, 2011 at 10:35 amJust like everyone else, I am crying with you. I am so sorry about your loss.
January 21st, 2011 at 10:40 amAll I can say is I am so sorry that this happened. You are doing an amazing job raising compassionate children.
January 21st, 2011 at 10:56 amI am so sorry your boys are having to experience loss at this age and I am praying for Kennedy’s family. No family should have to bury a child. I am so sorry.
January 21st, 2011 at 11:47 amYou are raising amazing children Chris. Great men. Your boys are great men.
Sigh. I can’t even imagine how hard this has been on them. My heart hurts for that family and for yours.
January 21st, 2011 at 12:19 pmMy heart goes out to Kennedy’s family and to yours. And to your boys, who had to become men before any boys should have to.
January 21st, 2011 at 2:39 pmAs a new mother, my heart aches for this loss in the world. Our thoughts are walking with Kennedy’s family and yours.
January 21st, 2011 at 3:00 pmSo very sad…….yes your boys have been changed forever.
How will those parents go on? That is what always leave me chilled to the bone when a child dies….how does the world keep going for those parents.
I hope the boys get to go to the services for their friend and see how one childs life touches so many others…. so they may know how very important their place in the world is.
Life is not easy
January 21st, 2011 at 3:28 pmOh Chris, I am so so sorry. Praying for Kennedys family and your sons as they struggle to cope with their loss. It’s so hard to see our children cope with death. Kaje xx
January 21st, 2011 at 4:18 pmOh Chris and family….I am so sorry…No words can truly comfort you, but I send this because it speaks volumes.
..Sometimes, when one person is missing, the whole world seems depopulated. ~Lamartine
January 21st, 2011 at 4:41 pmI’m so sorry for you and you sons- and the family of that poor boy. Your sons are truly amazing. You should be proud.
January 21st, 2011 at 5:21 pmI’m so sorry
January 21st, 2011 at 5:32 pmOh, this made me cry. How very sad for the boy’s family and all of you, but how very proud you must be of your boys. Sounds like they were perfect.
January 21st, 2011 at 6:23 pmOh Chris… I am so very sorry. I lost my eldest son this past October, he was 21. I took such comfort in my son’s friends as they shared memories with me of their time with him. It is such a gift to Kennedy’s family for you and your boys to grieve with them. Sending prayers and virtual hugs to all of you.
January 21st, 2011 at 6:26 pmI am SO sorry for your loss and the family of Kennedy. It’s absolutely heart-breaking. I’m praying for peace in this terrible situation. I personally know many angels in heaven welcoming Kennedy in His kingdom.
January 21st, 2011 at 8:59 pmI am so very sorry. Thoughts, prayers and tears for the community and for his family.
January 21st, 2011 at 10:35 pmSpeaking as a parent that has lost a child your boys were very brave.This will have a impact on them for the rest of their lives.It’s sad at such a young age they have learned that life can be very cruel.Prayers for Kennedys family and yours.
January 21st, 2011 at 10:42 pmI am so sorry. Please God, bless Kennedy’s family and help them find some peace in the coming months and save us and keep our children safe from harm. Amen.
January 21st, 2011 at 10:51 pmThe family will be in my prayers.
January 21st, 2011 at 10:58 pmI am so sorry….so sorry. There are just no words to express the grief one feels at such a huge loss….be at peace, friend. Love each other. Every day. Just love each other.
January 22nd, 2011 at 2:31 amSending my love to you all. In floods of tears.
January 22nd, 2011 at 4:37 amI just found my 14yr old is a sleep on the sofa, as his two friends have crashed out in his room, a crazy all-night-non-sleep-over. Such a normal event, but imaganing one of them not being here, oh dear, thinking of you all xx
I am so sorry for your loss. ♥
January 22nd, 2011 at 10:34 amI’m so sorry for this terrible loss you and your family are experiencing. Peace to Kennedy’s memory.
January 22nd, 2011 at 10:49 amMy thoughts are with you and your boys, and with his family. My condolences on this loss…
January 22nd, 2011 at 11:59 amIn my unfortunate experience, those who are grieving don’t need (or want) to hear about the better place they are in, or how they lost someone too, or how their loved one is playing basketball in Heaven right now. What is the most comforting is to know that the person was loved, that the entire situation sucks, and that you cry with them.
Your boys have done a good thing, and I’m guessing that this will be a defining moment in their young lives.
January 22nd, 2011 at 3:29 pmHeartbreaking news. From experience I can say that the loss of a dear friend in his youth is a deep dark pain and for the parents, unimaginable. For us, being able to share memories at will forever is helpful and comforting. Kennedy’s family will derive great solace from your sons’ care and love. If there is any place to find relief from the pain, it is only through the community who knew and loved Kennedy. I am so sorry for the inexplicable and terrible loss of a fine young man.
January 22nd, 2011 at 3:36 pmSending up a little prayer for everyone who grieves in the wake of Kennedy’s passing.
January 22nd, 2011 at 7:11 pmSo sorry to hear about your sons’ friend. Sending up prayers for you all during this time.
January 22nd, 2011 at 9:06 pmI am so sorry.
January 22nd, 2011 at 10:03 pmOne and a half years ago, one of my students died suddenly. One minute he was laughing watching tv, and the next, he was gone. They still aren’t sure what happened. His heart just quit. It was the most painful experience of my life to date. Watching my other students grieve for the loss of their friend, watching my husband carry his son’s friend and his best friend’s son to his grave, the grief of this boy’s parents and then my own grief over losing someone who was a big part of my life. I can only say I still continue to grieve for Evan and what might have been.
Last May, right before graduation, my stepdaughter’s good friend and soon to be college roommate, died in a car accident. We let Rachel and her friends come to the house on several nights before the funeral. We left and left them with brownies, ice cream and pop. They watched movies, cried and laughed. We tried not to tell them how they “should” be feeling or doing. Healing began on those nights.
I will be praying for you, your boys and Kennedy’s family. May God bring you comfort and peace as only He can.
Your son’s text says it all. What a fine young man you have raised, Chris. I’m so sorry for the loss of a good friend, and will pray for his family and yours during this sad time.
January 23rd, 2011 at 12:18 amYou should be very proud of your children..you have clearly raised them right.
So very sorry for your loss.
January 23rd, 2011 at 10:42 amI’m so sorry. I know that probably doesn’t mean much coming from someone you don’t know at all. But I’m sorry your boys had to experience that. I’m sorry for that family, who will forever feel the loss of a son.
January 23rd, 2011 at 12:15 pmI am so sorry to hear of this loss. My prayers to both families.
January 23rd, 2011 at 12:39 pmYou have amazng sons. They behaved/acted beyond their young years.
We also lost a family friends son recently. So I can understand where you and the boys are.
You wrote their story beautifuly. I am not sure if the family had other children, but my daughter’s friends parents love when she comes to visit with them even though he is gone. This maybe something your boys can do for them.
Just sayn
January 23rd, 2011 at 6:29 pmSo sorry to hear. Am keeping Kennedy, his family, you and yours in my prayers. You have raised phenomenal young men.
January 23rd, 2011 at 8:18 pmSuch terrible news. I wish you and your family strength during this very sad time, Chris. Sometimes life just doesn’t seem fair. xo
January 24th, 2011 at 2:13 amMy prayers and sympathy to the family and to your sons as well; this is a loss of innocence and a defining moment. I am sure your sons will always remember this friend. In 11th grade, my classmate was killed, a boy I had sat next to for two years every afternoon in a music class, and I think of him so often. A promising life cut short.
I hope your community gathers around everyone in this time of loss. It sounds as though this is happening.
January 24th, 2011 at 5:37 amDevastating news, Chris. Life is precious, but this is the last way we want our children to learn that lesson.
Hugs and prayers for Kennedy’s friends and family. It sounds cliché, but he’s at peace, his suffering is over. I hope you’re able to find a little bit of comfort in that.
January 24th, 2011 at 1:12 pmPraying for Kennedy’s family and you and your boys as well.
My oldest son lost a friend to cancer in junior high. That was one of the hardest things we ever had to deal with.
January 24th, 2011 at 3:21 pmI am so sorry, Chris. Your children will never forget this, and they will be better for it, if sadder. So heartbreaking for all, and also beautiful, in a way we never want to see. My condolences to your family and theirs.
January 24th, 2011 at 5:59 pmSo very sorry for the loss your children are experiencing. Truly heartbreaking.
January 24th, 2011 at 9:06 pmI’m so sorry for Kennedy’s family and for yours. Your boys handled it beautifully, but I’m so so sorry they are having to go through this.
January 24th, 2011 at 10:27 pmI’ve put off commenting because there is nothing more I can say than hasn’t already been said better by others… but you, your sons and of course Kennedy’s family remain in my thoughts. You have my most sincere condolences. I know from my own son’s loss of a friend at the age of 13 (now almost 11 years ago)that your boys will always remember Kennedy and be shaped by his death.
January 25th, 2011 at 2:25 amMy heart breaks for all of you. It’s times like these when you can truly see how well you have raised your children.
January 25th, 2011 at 11:00 amChris, I’m so sorry for the pain that your family is going through, and I’m so sorry for the parents of this child. You’re raising your children to be amazing men, but I wish that their path to adulthood hadn’t had to meet such tradgedy to let it show. My thoughts are with you all. xxx
January 26th, 2011 at 3:24 amPlease come back!!!!
February 10th, 2011 at 2:13 am