To those in Sandy Hook and Newtown Connecticut…
Sandy Hook, Connecticut
I have no words to say that could explain this horrific tragedy… or that could provide any quick healing to those who were so closely impacted. All I can say is that if you need a friend to talk to, an ear to listen, a shoulder to cry on… please, by all means, contact me. There is no special word, no pill, no drink that will have any immediate impact on relieving you of this pain. The best thing anyone can offer you is to be a friend who cares and will support you. I am offering you that.
I have spent 2 hours today just crying and visibly shaking. Even now I write this through tears. I’ll explain why.
LOVE AND TRAGEDY:
First, I have a daughter who is now 31. She was the first love of my life. Without question, she owns the most real estate in my heart. I cannot imagine the horrific emotional destruction that would have happened to me if she was ripped from my life when she was that young. Yet I understand some because there was a time that I didn’t know if I’d ever see her again. Her mom left me, took her with and filed for divorce. I went 5 months without knowing if I’d ever see her again. Five months of daily bouts fighting suicidal thoughts. What finally got me through this time in my life was hearing God speak to me and say “She’s going to need you someday, don’t you do it.” (referring to a recent thought of suicide). He was right. Many times over.
Second, I have a nephew that became very close friends with my daughter and I spent a lot of time with. He became like a son to me. He was my little buddy. Everyone in the family called him that. Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, you name it. He was our little buddy. One day, he passed away suddenly. He was only 14. When I was told what had happened, I absolutely crumpled to the ground. I couldn’t get up. I was crushed. Almost 20 years later, I still miss him and cry when I relive that day.
Third, my daughter has two boys – both of which are in this age range. One is 8, the other is 10. They are my best buddies in the world! I love to spend time with them. God used them to not only heal, but overwhelm the hurt in my life from losing my nephew. I cannot imagine not having them in my life. I could never move so far away that I could not see them often. They are deep within my heart. Often, after visiting with them, I cry for a good part of the way home because even though I just left there, I already miss them. I also cry because I am so thankful for having two amazing boys in my life as grandsons.
Team Xtreme Logo
Fourth, I work with a ministry named Team Xtreme that ministers to kids. All of these kids we meet in our travels become my babies too. I adopt them right into my heart. I always have a special connection happen with a few kids at every destination. Often, they are kids who have a special need in their life. Maybe they are largely ignored by one or both parents. Maybe one parent is not in their life at all. Maybe they are being raised by their grandparent because the parents won’t bother with them. Whatever the reason, these precious little ones attach to me. I simply love them back!
Fifth, just last night I was at my girlfriend’s house. Her 7 year old, “cute as a bug” daughter was having 3 friends over for a play date and sleep over. One of her 3 little friends knows me real well and has decided that she is crazy about me. When she found out I was there, she ran out of the bedroom and nearly knocked me over with the largest hug her little self could muster. So easy to love them back when they are like that!
Sixth, I have this couple that I have been close friends with for over 20 years. I consider them to be my best friends on the planet. They are amazing people with big hearts. They have a boy who was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome at birth. He is now 9. He is also one of my best buddies in the whole world. His special need does not drive me away. It causes me to love him more.
As you can see, I have a big heart for kids. I also have a big heart for the parents. I have experienced both LOVE and TRAGEDY in my life. I can empathize with your situation. I’m here for you if you need a friend. I am completely serious about that.
You can find me on Facebook, or just email me directly using this email jack.davis@teamxtremeministries.org.
this is the man i know and love.