Losing a loved one is unquestionably one of life’s greatest challenges, in particular when it happens suddenly or unexpectedly. When his dad passed away, my son Julian was a freshman in high school and just 14 years old. The tragic loss was a seismic shift that rocked both our worlds. However, amidst the grief and turmoil, Julian’s response was nothing short of remarkable. Despite his young age, he displayed a level of maturity and resilience that was both surprising and incredibly inspiring.
Rather than allowing himself to be consumed by sorrow, Julian chose to honor his father’s memory by embodying the values and principles he had instilled in him from an early age. He found solace in his father’s teachings, drawing strength from the wisdom he had imparted over the years. Throughout our journey of healing, his determination to carry on his father’s legacy served as a guiding light, and his ability to find purpose in the midst of tragedy was a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit.
In the years since his father’s passing, Julian continues to impress me with his strength and determination. He pursues his passions with unwavering focus, never allowing his grief to hold him back. While in high school, he discovered a love for the game of lacrosse and not only played all four years at the varsity level but served as a team captain during both his junior and senior seasons. It was an outlet and form of physical healing that I don’t think either of us realized that he needed until after a few years of playing. Following graduation, he moved away from home for college and will graduate in May of 2025 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Florida State University. In his personal life, he has maintained many of the same friendships since elementary school and serves as the unofficial coordinator and organizer of all social activities for that group. He is an excellent and empathetic listener and a staunch defender of anyone he cares about.
Today, as we reflect on our journey through loss and resilience, I am grateful for the many lessons Julian has taught me. His ability to find strength in the face of adversity serves as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope. And for that, I am truly thankful and incredibly inspired.
