"I Really Don't Know What to Say"

That single sentence is the one thing that has been said to me most since Elise passed away. Most folks choose one of two paths. 1) They are searching for something profound to say that will be just "right" and they spend a lot of time stammering around and often times say things they wish they hadn't. 2) They say nothing at all. If you think it is uncomfortable, try to put yourself in my shoes. It isn't just this one interaction. It is MOST interactions I have with people right now. 

Yesterday, I had the most out of left field experience that completely caught me off guard. And for once, it was not in a bad way! I have been sitting on the planning committee for the first KyMel FORE Kids charity golf tournament. As most of my friends know, KyMel is the organization that runs Camp Hope and Camp SIBSational which have greatly impacted both Elise and Abby's life. One of the presenting sponsors for the tournament was the RisnerUp foundation, which is the foundation of former K-State football player, and current Denver Bronco, Dalton Risner.

I have met Dalton 2-3 times before and those interactions have always been great. It only takes a moment of talking with him to realize that he is an amazing human being. I only wish I was as articulate and well thought out as he is when I was his age (and probably now too).

I was able to shake hands with Dalton and say hello shortly after I got there. I thanked him for his consistent support of KyMel and we both moved along to other things. A while later, my golfing partner showed up. Dalton is good friends with my golf partner for the day, Michael. Michael and his family wanted me to meet Dalton, and before I could tell them I had already talked with him this morning, there we were standing face to face with him again. After again shaking hands and meeting his fiance, he said "Tony can I talk with you over here for a second?" I didn't think much of that request. Honestly, I thought he probably wanted to talk with me about his friend Michael.

Instead, he said, "I heard about what happened with your daughter. I'm sorry for your loss. No parent should have to go through that. I just want you to know that I care about you. Whether I know you a lot, or know you a little, I love you and I care about you. Nobody should go through something like this alone. God loves you and I'll be praying for you." And, that was it. Short and sweet. I was floored. I was touched. And, I was speechless.

He isn't someone that I really know. He didn't say anything profound. What he said was simple and straightforward. It isn't really that difficult. When people say, "I really don't know what to say", I try to convey that I don't need profound. Nobody is going to say anything that will make it all better. But, simple and straightforward really isn't that difficult. I encourage you to try that with people in your life that are going through something challenging.