There he is, running, excited about the end of a game, his gloves almost twice as big as his hands, shirt blowing so that you can see just how skinny he is, his hair sticking up in the back, and a smile breaking across his face as he runs to his friends. A bit gawky, sassy, and so much, so very much fun.
This is Mack. This is how he was and how we remember him. It is hard not to shed tears and to miss him today, but I miss him so deeply everyday. It is wonderful that on today people remember him and encourage us. Thank you all so very much.
Not long after Mack died I posted this:
Unrelated to our current sadness, someone on twitter posted this dreck: “Religion is for people who are afraid of going to hell. Spirituality is for those who have already been there.” My first comment was “Religion is for people who live in community.” Today, this week I know more than ever that power of not just community, but the religious community. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support on Twitter and on Facebook. We can criticize these venues all we like (and I like to) but this week it has been a way for family and friends around the world to share in our grief and bring us love and prayers.
In reflecting on Dr. King’s legacy last night, one of our SHC students shared an African proverb, “if you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.” We continue to be so thankful for our community, the community of faith, Penn State, soccer, parents, friends, and people who have simply read about Mack.
We so grateful for everyone who is sharing in our grief and, most importantly, in our love for this silly little man.
2 thoughts on “11 Years Old”
Nancy and I never had any children. We wanted to adopt; however, the cost was more than we could ever pay. I would have liked to have had a son like Mack. I hope you and Mrs. Brady are doing well. I have kept my promise. You are constantly in my prayers. I know with all my heart that Mack is living now with the Lord. Revelation 7: 9-17. The Lord has wiped every tear from their eyes and they are happy. I hope I have given you encouragement and not caused you any pain. Believe me, I would not want to do that. God bless you and Mrs. Brady.
Dear Charles,
Thank you so very much! You have given me great encouragement and I am so thankful for your notes and comments and interaction. I spent the last two weeks thoroughly enjoying getting to know Emil Brunner and his works thanks to your comments. So thank you for your continued prayers and yes, you have been a great encouragement to me and my wife.