Was this the same kid they had that stupid blonde reporter for Versus interviewing during the game last night? They look kinda familiar and it would make sense… Anyways, if it was he got to meet Mario and the Duke. And then Benny invited him to Steelers practice so I’m sure we can expect another gut wrenching article in the near future about that trip…

there’s always just this lingering doubt and when something tragic happens to kids (especially) thats when my doubt bubbles up to the top in frustration.

Very well put, Pitt Girl! And to elaborate further, I think the thing to remember is that those of us who believe in a God (as I do) don’t believe that there will always be happy endings and rainbows. In fact, I’ve found in my Christian walk that I’ve had more than my fair share of bad things happen to me and my family.

Shit happens. Bad things happen. But isn’t the fault of a God. God isn’t a magic genie. Could He have cured this boy? I think so. But just look at the amazing way he has inspired all of us! And though it’s an absolute shame that this young man will be leaving us, sometimes it takes something this sad to help us realize the impact of goodness, and what we can all do to be better people. What I want to know is how many people are going to forget this young man and all he has shown us after he’s gone? Too often, many people forget afterwards, and I think that’s a major reason stuff like this still happens.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people in this world who go through life selfishly, and and forget that every day is not promised to us. Mr. Challis has reminded us that we can’t be selfish in this world, and that in order to do the most good, we have to touch the lives of others. We can’t take each day for granted, and this young man is the perfect example of fulfilling this.

I have found, for me, in a power higher than yourself gives people the courage to move on when everything else is telling you there isn’t hope. In fact, it renews that hope. You may call that weakness of spirit, and I understand if you do. But as Pitt Girl so beautifully stated, if this is what gets this family through, then you can’t deny him (or the rest of us) that.

I saw this story in the paper. I picked it up and read the caption under the picture and decided that if I read it, I would cry, so I put it back down. I even cried a little bit just looking at the picture. So after actually reading the article, I almost feel like a different person.

What a special kid.

I think the way to look at this is this: Some people find comfort from a belief in God when things go horribly wrong, such as John seems to be doing. Let’s let him have that comfort without putting a doubt in his head.

In addition, there are countless tragedies and unbearable pains in the world to convince one without a doubt that there is no God, and there are countless beauties and miraculous gifts in the world to convince one without a doubt that there absolutely must be a God. So those that believe shouldn’t judge those that don’t, and those that don’t, shouldn’t judge those that believe.

Whoa! I should write that down. Oh…

go ahead…flame away….sorry

God Bless