Until We Meet Again My Son

I wouldn't even try to guess how many ball games I have been privileged to broadcast on the air.  After 15 years and a few pounds lost or gained and a few thousand miles on the road, it's pretty much been a blur. One game I will never forget occurred on March 6, 2006.  It wasn't a particularly super important type game.  But it was a great ball game.  Coach Rick Mays and his Elliott Co Lions knocked off the mighty Ashland Tomcats 61-59 in what I could only describe as a good ol' good one. Jonathan Ferguson had an awesome game en route to winning the MVP of the Tournament despite losing in the finals to Russell that year.

I called the game, ran to my car and began the drive home to see my son Titus.  I wasn't sure I would get to see him alive.  His 32 day old body was weakening from HLHS.  As I approached Olive Hill, my son Tucker called to see when I would be home.  I told him about 20 minutes.  I heard him say, "Daddy will be here in 20 minutes Titus!"  As I walked in the house, my lovely bride was rocking our son as she had for the past 31 days.  I walked over to the chair, she handed Titus to me.  He opened up 1 eye as if to make sure Daddy was home, then he took a deep breath and died in my arms.  I said at time it was a beautiful ending to our journey with Titus.  We were all surrounding him with love and comfort as he went home to be with his Creator.

The wound of losing a child will never fully heal.  But God has used our situation in a mighty way over the years.  I have been able to speak to countless people about our journey with Titus both from the pulpit and individually.  My wife has counseled with woman who have lost children. My son and daughter were able to witness to their friends simply by living a life of trust in God and showing how Christians react to adversity in life. I tend to look for the good in any situation and there have been great opportunities to witness for Christ through our tragedy.  As I speak to young people and not so young people alike whether at church camp, FCA meetings, church services, etc. I am allowed to give God glory and honor and challenge people to lean on God in times of trouble.  To trust His Spirit to guide tough decisions.  And the importance of family. I was so fortunate at that time to have 3 families.  Of course my earthly family, my church family and my sports family.

I didn't miss an assignment during this whole situation.  As a matter of fact, the day before we buried Titus, our family gathered at Ellis T Johnson Arena to watch the East Lady Raiders play in the regional tournament and I was on the call of the game.  During their pre-game announcement of starting line ups, the entire team came over to hug me and presented my family with a ball that had Titus' name on it and signed by everyone.  It still is displayed prominently in our home.

I have been blessed with a great family.  My wife is my hero.  My kids are simply awesome.  And our family will grow by 2 feet when in September our grandchild will be born.  Tonight, I will walk into Ellis T Johnson Arena to do what I do.  Each year on March 6 I am in the same building, sitting in the same spot on press row and doing what I love to do.  But that first step into the arena is a difficult one.  Memories flood back and a sense of sadness takes over momentarily.  But then I always reflect that if I keep doing what I am doing.  Living a life pleasing to God, that I will see Titus again someday.  Then I do what I do and try to do it well.

When Titus passed away I promised him I would see him again someday.  I fully intend on keeping that promise.  So when Titus went home on March 6, 2006, I didn't say "Goodbye"NO!  Instead I simply said, "Until we meet again, son"

God bless you all.

Tim