I've mentioned several times recently that I've been going through a family issue.
Well, it came to a head Friday when our only child, Barry, died after a two-year battle with cancer.
He was the best son a parent could have and rivaled my dad as the best father ever.
I fell way short of those standards. It took me until Barry was an adult to realize that family should ALWAYS come before work. I thought it was important to do the best job possible (which is true) even if it involves giving the family short shrift (which is false). With a few exceptions, loyalty in an employment relationship isn't a two-way street.
He never caused us any shame or embarrassment while growing up.
He blessed me with a wonderful daughter-in-law and amazing granddaughter, both of whom he cherished and went to great lengths to spoil.
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| Barry, Nikki and Adair Jones at Dollywood, October, 2017 |
We got to do a family get-together at Dollywood in 2017 (a picture is above). He'd been diagnosed by then, but there was no prognosis. Knowing the uncertain future, it was an unforgettable experience for us.
Barry inherited my love for sports. Like me, he was a much more proficient fan than participant.
When healthy, he and his buddies were regulars at Furman (his alma mater) home football games, putting together an extensive tailgate setup.
When Clemson played its basketball games in Greenville while Littlejohn Coliseum was being renovated, we went to the Clemson-Carolina game together and had a great time.
He scored tickets to the 2017 NCAA Basketball Regional in Greenville for himself and a friend and got to witness those two magical USC wins.
He and his family frequently went to Tybee Island on vacation and usually tried to work in a baseball game at Grayson Stadium in Savannah.
We met for a baseball game at Founders Stadium in Columbia last season. That was the last game we got to attend together. At the time, we thought his cancer seemed under control.
He had several rounds of chemo and radiation. Each time it seemed to take a little more time to bounce back. After he latest round, the bounce back never came.
During this low time, his friends and co-workers did an unbelievable job of rallying around Barry and his family. They showed me how inadequate I was in similar situations with my friends.
His friends, my family and my church family will help Doris and I get through this. We have confidence we'll get to see Barry -- fully healthy -- again in heaven some day.
I urge you to look at your life. No matter your lot on Earth, there are better things awaiting for those who have faith in Jesus Christ.
Now, back to baseball posts (although they'll still be skimpy for the next few days).
RJ
1 comment:
Praying for you and your family!
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