When this story first broke, it reminded me of a poem I read once in undergrad. Of course I couldn't remember its name, so I googled the part I did remember. The poem is A.E. Housman's "To an Athlete Dying Young". Everyone processes death differently. While some mourn profusely and are understandably somber, others turn it into a time of celebration. Housman's poem is of a celebratory nature. Though the athlete dies young, he will always be remembered for his glory days because of it. He will not share the fate of others who fade into mediocrity as they age. Jasper Howard will be remembered for his glory days.
Howard, twenty years old and an expecting father, was the University of Connecticut's cornerback. He died from a stab wound to the abdomen after a fight broke out at a student dance. The altercation actually took place outside of the dance since students evacuated after the fire alarm was pulled. Though many were present, no witnesses have stepped forth.
Perhaps no one saw it happen. Maybe there was too much happening at once. There are lots of questions in this story but no concrete answers. If no one else deserves answers, Jasper's mother does. It would be unfair for this mother to be left with nothing but unanswered questions and the memory of her son.
The Huskies will wear Jasper Howard's initials on their helmets when they play West Virginia. Remembering and honoring are crucial steps in the healing process. May the family and the team find a sense of strength as they try to get through this tragedy.
No comments:
Post a Comment