ITL190: Finding Perspective and Purpose After Unthinkable Tragedy

On this week’s episode, I answer a very emotional listener question from the friend of a football coach who has lost his son.

 

Everybody has a worst time in his or her life.

• I can’t imagine that it gets any worse than losing a son or daughter.
• I have some understanding of the shock and grief; my parents both passed away at a young age.
• My mom’s passing was long and drawn out, and my dad’s was a call in the middle of the night.
• While your memories and longing will never go away, the awful grief that you feel right now will pass.

 

Since your friend is a football coach, let’s consider eternity to be the length of a 100-yard football field.

• You were with your son for 19 years.
• Let’s assume that you’re 40 and will live another 40 years.
• That 40 years is not even a blade of grass on the football field of eternity.

 

This sounds odd to say, but if my parents had lived a normal life span, I wouldn’t have ended up doing what I do.

• Everything that has happened in my life came about after being forced into a position where I had no options.
• I believe you will find so many people and families that will be transformed not only because of your son’s life, but because of your son’s short life.
• You will find a purpose in this.
• You will find a time when you will be oddly grateful that you were allowed the opportunity to deal with and learn from this.

 

Please tune in to the full episode where Andy references a previous In the Loop about finding peace when dealing with death and mentions some extremely inspirational songs he recommends listening to daily when times are tough.

 

Questions for Listeners

Do you have a question? Call in and your question might be featured on the show!

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