Hug your kids

Post by **wncbmw** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 9:40 am

We received word yesterday afternoon that a 15 year old former teammate of my youngest son was killed in a high speed dirt bike and ATV crash. They would have been teammates again next year on the varsity football team and he was the last kid I coached on the fine arts of being a catcher in baseball. No protective gear, including helmets.

The community and the high school are suffering today. And although he is old enough not to want it, my son got an extra hug from his old man last night.

Love them while you can.

BobFV1 · Post by **BobFV1** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 9:46 am

So sorry to hear this terrible news. ATGATT applies to the whole family! Good to remember why from time to time.

Post by **rdsmith3** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 10:03 am

What a tragedy. My oldest is 15 so I can very much relate to this loss.

darthrider · Post by **darthrider** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 11:42 am

That's terrible Vann. I hope your son is OK.
When I was 14 and riding my first moped, one of my best friends was killed while throwing his paper route from his Cushman Eagle when a woman ran a stop sign and smashed his helmet-less head against the curb.
Now it's funny...after all these years I can't even remember what he looked like but I remember "him" well and think of him often.
Keep hugging your guy...he may hate it but he needs it.
Get some for yourself while you're at it...

Post by **socalrob** » Mon Oct 17, 2005 9:56 pm

Thats a terrible loss for your community & the boys family. Its so sad when a childs mistake is permanant. If only he were just hurt, he would have learned & been made stronger. Its just terrible. I'm going to be thinking on this for some time.

My Jon & I get our dirt bikes out when we can, but its ATGATT.

At least 5 or 6 times a year I give my teenagers a lecture / conversation on teenage deaths from suicide, lack of seat belts, & drinking / driving. All of its avoidable but I think the teenage brain is least able to make sound judgements of any time in life.

Post by **wncbmw** » Tue Oct 18, 2005 7:10 am

socalrob - teenagers think they are invincible. Sadly, we can only hope they learn from the mistakes of others that they are not. But there is a new crop of fresh teenagers daily and the lessons have to be relearned. I give that lecture you referred to about weekly myself.

I have a funeral to attend tonight but also one more hurdle personally. As the volunteer PA announcer for the JV games, I will have to make some statement before the next game for a moment of silence for one of their teammates and only hope I can get through it without choking up over the loudspeakers.