Prayers Needed

[jerseyborn1971]

I've been gone from the site for a few years, so I am not sure if there was still a Prayer's thread. I could sure use some for my family today.

My son's best friend died yesterday from a self-inflicted, accidental gunshot wound. He was drunk and playing with his gun. 19 years old. This young man was like a son to me. He had a rough upbringing and went to live with his grandparents in 8th grade. He had been adopted and unadopted from an abusive home. He and my son Phoenix bonded over being adopted and finding family outside of blood relation. His grandparents are good, hard working people, but it was tough to be at everything for him. I often took him to wrestling practice and tournaments. I even walked him out on Senior Night so he had someone there with him. He often called me "dad".

While he could certainly be your typical, knucklehead red neck teenage boy, he also set the bar for my son on what friendship is. He was fiercely loyal. Despite appearing to be a "tough guy" sometimes, he was exceptionally thoughtful. The gifts he got my son for Christmas were often very thoughtful. Beyond what you would expect of a 14-18 year old.

Please pray for Reilly Berger and hs tonight. He was a part of our family and will be dearly missed. And please pray for my kids, especially Phoenix. No 18 year old kid should have to endure such a loss.

 

[SWirishfan]

I feel you Jersey.
I lost a good friend in 6th grade to a drunk driver, another as a senior to suicide, three colleagues to aviation mishaps, and both my wife's older and younger brother before they hit 33. All I can say for Phoenix is this:
Today, tomorrow, and the next few months will be very hard. Lean into the other friends you have in common. Let them be there for you and you for them.
Go to his funeral if you can. Tell all there every good thing about Reilly.
Do not be afraid of remembering the good and the bad. Celebrate your friend. The hurt will dull eventually.
Trust in God and pray for his soul. Live a good life and when you meet again go right for the double leg takedown.

Both boys will be in my prayers tonight.

 

[jerseyborn1971]

I feel you Jersey.
I lost a good friend in 6th grade to a drunk driver, another as a senior to suicide, three colleagues to aviation mishaps, and both my wife's older and younger brother before they hit 33. All I can say for Phoenix is this:
Today, tomorrow, and the next few months will be very hard. Lean into the other friends you have in common. Let them be there for you and you for them.
Go to his funeral if you can. Tell all there every good thing about Reilly.
Do not be afraid of remembering the good and the bad. Celebrate your friend. The hurt will dull eventually.
Trust in God and pray for his soul. Live a good life and when you meet again go right for the double leg takedown.

Both boys will be in my prayers tonight.

Thank you for that. I've been in touch with his wrestling "crew". We called them "The Outsiders". 5 boys from 3 different high schools. The were club teammates and best friends. After we get through the initial grief, we are going to have the boys over to celebrate Reilly's life and remember all the good times and watch his old matches.

 

[rtrn2glory]

Prayers to you and all involved. This unfortunately seems to becoming way too common..

 

[Irishdawg]

🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 from the Twin Cities!!