Tragedy has struck the Notre Dame family. With a heavy heart and swollen eyes I am praying for the family of Declan Sullivan. Declan was a junior at ND. He lived in one of our nearby villages and went to our rival high school. He was video taping football practice Wednesday afternoon when the camera tower he was standing on fell over.
My heart breaks for his mother. My heart breaks for his entire family. I want to pull my children close and hold on tighter than ever. I'm thinking my #63 isn't in a cuddling mood. His sadness will soon be covered over by male bravado. He has a job to do to, just as Declan did. We can't protect them. We can only love them, let them go and pray. I'm praying and crying my eyes out tonight. For Declan. For his parents and family. For my children. And last but not least, for myself.
Dear God, hear the plea of this humble mother.
I beg of You to spare me from the grief and despair
of losing a child.
Please have mercy on the courageous mothers
who are called to walk that treacherous path.
Keep them in Your divine love and grace,
now and forever. Amen