When someone close to you passes away, it’s one of the most difficult things in the world to deal with. If that person happens to be your father, the shear amount of loss and pain can feel unbearable. Much of the pain comes from the realization that he’s completely tied to so many of your memories, and that he won’t be there to make new ones. Sometimes people have to face this sad truth at a tragically young age.
This was the case for JV football player, Joe Cahill IV. His father, a firefighter, used to come to all of his son’s football games to cheer on his son. He was always proud of Joe for being a good student and the captain of his high school football team. Sadly, Joe’s life was drastically changed when Joseph Cahill III passed away suddenly in March of this year.
When football try-outs came around this Summer, young Joe was understandably still in a deep period of grieving over his recent loss. Although he still loved football and wanted to continue to play for the team, the season begun on a tragic note for him–his father, who had always rooted for him, wouldn’t be on the sidelines this year.
In an interview with a local television station, Cahill said that even at practice, “It’s been a lot different.” He had grown accustomed to his father being there to give him advice and helpful tips about football and school. Although he still had the love and support of the rest of his family, there was still a hole in his heart.
This heartbreaking story does have a glimmer of sunshine, though. Luckily, his father’s colleagues still had young Joe in their hearts and minds. They were close to Joe’s father in a way that only people in a dangerous profession like firefighting can truly bring about. He wasn’t just their colleague–he was their brother. So, for the first game of the season, they decided to show some brotherly love.
As Joe ran out of the locker room onto the field, he was shocked to see thirty off-duty firefighters standing on the sidelines, cheering him on. Their inspiring show of support meant the world to Joe at a time when he needed it the most.
It’s important to remember that even your presence can mean a lot to somebody who’s going through a tough situation. It doesn’t take any money or special skills–it just takes love. Remember to SHARE this story to show your support for the Cahill family, the brave firefighters, and to remind the world that there’s still a lot of good in the world!