When Silence Says It All

I spent the past 6 days in Bad Axe, MI. We were all shocked by the news and with god's help everyone was able to travel safely to be there right away. I wasn't sure what to expect, or what would happen, but nothing could have prepared me for what did happen.

From the second we arrived on Thursday it was a stream of visitors. Bringing food, flowers, food, hugs, more food and offers to help. On Friday we got the news that the public schools would close on Monday, not because of the weather, but for Dave... The news made the front page of the Huron Daily Tribune on Saturday.

Sunday was the visitation and people lined up early. All day the line was not just inside, but so long it stretched outside and people braved Bad Axe cold air in their Sunday best to pay their respects.

Monday morning about 500 people filled the gym. Amazing speeches, funny memories, Cruz running up to hug grammie, a flag presentation by the State Police and even a dance. Through the memorial they raised enough so Bad Axe soccer teams would have to worry about new socks for a long time. However, it wasn't the numbers, newspaper and speeches that left me in awe...

As the gym emptied, and things were being cleaned up, one boy, all by himself went up to the front. He stood there, hands clasped in front, head down, and just stood. He stayed a while, and I am not sure who saw him, but he just stood in silence.

I was left thinking, what made him go up front? What did he say to Dave? What was his story?

Maybe he didn't have a father figure at home and Dave was not just a coach but also a positive male role model?

Or

Maybe his parents always told him everything he did was good enough, and Dave was the first person who told him it wasn't... and taught him he was capable of more.

Or

Maybe Dave was there for him when he had girl trouble and I am sure Dave straightened him out and made him smile about it.

I have no clue what he said, and I realized what helped bring it all together for me. It doesn't matter what he said, there is a mile long list of what Dave did for people. In a way that lone brave silent kid said something for all of us. He maybe said what many of us might not of been able to, or maybe he didn't say anything at all knowing whatever he said, the words probably weren't enough.

Silence might of just been the right thing to say. Once again, Dave taught us something, that silence and the small things matter most. Thanks big guy, and hey, I didn't know what to say on Monday either, and FYI your teams don't have to worry about socks next year, and I am pretty sure that would make you laugh.