It’s been a minute since my last blog post. Wanted to put something together sooner, but sometimes life gets in the way. In my case it was death.
On June 5, 2015, my 22-year-old son, Joseph, died a day after a driver ran a red light and broadsided his car. Words cannot express the pain this has caused my entire family and me. Joe was our youngest child and our only son. He was working with me in the business and living at home. He was making his way, learning and growing and excited about the future. And now … now it’s over, and it is still so very hard to believe.
For the first couple of months following Joe’s death I didn’t work much; didn’t see the point. As time has gone on I have gotten back into the swing of things on the surface, but in the deeper recesses my priorities are being shuffled and reordered. Certain things and people have taken on decreased significance. Other things and people have taken on added meaning and importance. It is a process that is ongoing and one that must be allowed to run its course. There is no rush.
In the meantime, by the grace of God, I find a way to move forward. Increasingly, I find motivation in my memories of Joe. While his empty office and empty bedroom are awful reminders of the tragedy of his loss, I yet hold him dear and keep him with me every day. Joe loved basketball. His favorite team was the Cleveland Cavaliers. We were looking forward to spending time together watching the 2015 NBA finals between the Cavs and Golden State Warriors. The first game was June 4, but we never saw that game because that was the day the driver ran the red light. The day everything changed.
Though I have worked primarily in professional baseball, I have always wanted to do basketball work. From time to time I have made small inroads into what is my favorite sport. Now, I am determined to break into this part of the industry in a significant
way as my way of honoring Joe. I know he would love that.
So many people have been kind, gracious and supportive during this unspeakably difficult time. Through it all, our faith has kept our family strong. Though the pain is palpable, our hope prevails. There are no familiar landmarks on the road we’re compelled to travel, and yet we press on, putting one foot in front of the other. I am determined to keep it that way. Determined to keep going. Determined to make it in spite of. Determined to honor my son. He is (not was) a special young man who will live in my heart forever.
And so, we go forward. I am endeavoring to live out what I often shared with Joe: that we are here to make a difference. To this end I will continue to walk in love with family and friends, pour into young people who are looking to get ahead in their careers, and use this space hopefully to provoke a thought or two not only about the world of sports, but also about this agonizingly beautiful and complex thing called life.
Nigel Chamblin
October 28, 2015
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings Jeff. You continue to be an inspiration for those of us going through rough times. I am here for you my friend…
Lisa Hunter
October 29, 2015
This is a beautiful and touching tribute. Thank you for sharing. We love you and your family. We miss Joe and are continuing to pray for you. Blessings (Sis. Lisa Hunter)
Andre Anthonio Alexander
October 30, 2015
Greetings Jeff
It was per chance that I cam across your blog this morning 30th October 2015. God in his wonder and yet mysterious ways brings people across one’s path to encourage and enlighten oneself through sometimes hard/harsh life’s experiences. I thought that I was going through a tough 25 days of the month of October through some poor decisions I made and in the process have splintered my immediate family (wife Mandy, son Darryn-25 and my princess Nicole -22 years). I also do not know why I am sharing this with you, but your loss is permanent, whereas my loss is temporal, as my loved ones are moving to a suburb 15 minutes away from me, but the emptiness of a room/home of my mother’s cannot replace the bubbly activity that one becomes accustom to with your own family. We only value what we have once we lose it!!!!!
My family is crazy about baseball, as I played baseball here in South Africa at an amateur level for 12 years and now am currently coaching fast-pitch softball that my daughter Nicole loves and is the middle infielder for the Falcons Softball Club – Pinelands-Cape Town SA. My son was a U12/U16/U18 SA national middle infielder, while Mandy (whom I met on a Baseball field – 36 yrs ago) is a catcher and now an administrator of this beautiful game.
Your story resonates with me as I miss interacting with my son and the banter that goes on about Cleveland Indians that I support, while he is a NYYankees – Derek Geter fan……..:) 🙂 🙂
In closing I would like to say that God will rebuild the walls that have been broken in our lives as he did through the life of Jeremiah in the book in the bible of Jeremiah. therefore my probems are insignificant compare to your loss and as i too have determined in my heart to give my all for sport upliftment in our communities through softball specifically. i salute you for all you doing and intend doing to keep Joe’s legacy alive.
God bless and much strength as God promise Joshua in Jos.1:9. ” Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Regards
Andre Alexander
Vincent Scotto
November 15, 2015
Mr. Fannell,
I just happened to being doing research on the guest speakers for the upcoming conference and came across this post. My sincerest condolences and prayers go out to you and your family. I applaud you for writing, expressing yourself and moving forward. I am nearby in Robbinsville and will be attending the conference on Thursday. Looking forward to meeting you.
Vincent Scotto
sikis izle
May 07, 2016
Hola y gracias por este blog es una verdadera inspiración ..