A few days ago, I heard a piece on the news about a 16-year boy who sank the winning shot at the overtime buzzer to lead his high school basketball team to a championship victory and a perfect season. A few minutes later, he collapsed in the midst of the celebration and was pronounced dead at the hospital only two hours later. He had an undiagnosed heart condition and suffered a massive heart attack. His name was Wes Leonard.
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| Wes Leonard, 16, being lifted to the shoulders of his teammates only moments before he collapsed. |
When I heard this news on the radio in my car, I was overcome with grief and emotion. As the mother of three grown children, I cannot even begin to imagine how his parents must feel. What a tragic loss for his family, his teammates and friends. At one of the finest moments in his life, just as he was experiencing jubilation and joy over his accomplishment - literally being lifted to the shoulders of his teammates, his celebration was cut short and the lives of all those around him were changed in the blink of an eye.
As my mind struggles to comprehend why something like this happens, my heart hears a soft whisper -
"You know not when I will come for you, my child.
Learn this lesson - live every moment well and to the fullest,
as if it were your last."
When one day I find myself about to draw my breath, I would want to know:
- I lived my life to the fullest, seizing every opportunity offered, without fear.
- I did right more than I did wrong and I learned from my mistakes.
- When my head hit the pillow every night, I gave thanks for my many blessings.
- Those special people around me knew, without a doubt, how much I loved them and how special they were to me because I told them and showed them daily.
My prayers go out to the Leonard Family,
that they will know a special peace and comfort that can only come from our Creator.
Think about it.
Jane
