THE JOURNEY

 

PERSPECTIVE

In 2013, my wife Dana passed away from breast cancer.  Her 21 month battle was the most gut wrenching experience of my life.  It broke me as a man and changed me as a person.  For those who have faced the monster and or loved someone who has, we know every day is a gift.

In August 2009, Dana along with my daughters, Shelby – 9 and Cameron – 6 at the time were in a single car accident.  This accident almost took all three of their lives.  God was riding with my family that day.

 

In April 2009, I was involved in a car accident with a man and his wife on a motorcycle.  The man was killed.  I had to drive by the accident site on my way to work every day for 5 years.  I still think about that morning every day.

In 2007 and 2008, my job would involve a young man’s murder, another’s drowning, a teenage suicide and the death of a friend’s 11 day old newborn.

In October 2003, LSU Equipment Manager Jeff Boss passed away from brain cancer.  His integrity, character and professionalism put him in a rare class of people.  He was a mentor, colleague and friend.  My life was made richer for having known him.

In December 2000, my friend Mark McQuillin passed away from brain cancer.  He was diagnosed in early November and 6-weeks later, he had died.  We coached together.  At times, I spent more time with ‘Q’ than I did my own family.  I miss his laugh.

As a graduate assistant on the LSU Football Coaching staff, 1998 was a season of tragedy and truly unrealized dreams.

This 17 year journey provided me with an appreciative perspective on life.  That perspective is part of what this ‘Blog’ is all about.