Podcast Episode 190: Finding Perspective and Purpose After Unthinkable Tragedy

Jun 20, 2015 | Podcasts

In The Loop with Andy Andrews, hosted by David Loy

Click here to download the transcript of this episode.

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

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