I am not a parent and never will be. Because of the choice that I made for the priesthood, that would not ever be a reality. But, I certainly have felt like a parent through the years. I always doted over “my kids” as I watched students grow up. I have followed the lives of young people I have known as they went through grade school, high school, college, and entered careers.
So when one of “my” kids passes away, I feel like that proverbial parent who often states “I should have gone first.”
I felt that way this morning when I got on Facebook to see what was happening in the world of social media. My feed began showing me posts about the death of someone who was one of my students many years ago when I taught at Bishop Noll as part of my first assignment as a newly-ordained priest.
Joel Ziller was an interesting person. Like many people his age, he had his own struggles that he tried to work through in high school. He worked hard at finding his niche in life and ultimately became a long-haul trucker. That life is not easy by any stretch of the imagination.
Very early this morning, shortly after midnight, his brother reports that Joel had a heart attack at home and succumbed to it. Joel had been hospitalized several times through the years because of his heart as well as other medical issues. This time, he lost the fight.
But one fight he won, I believe, was the fight between good and evil. Joel saw a lot in his life but always clung to his faith. He was a prayer warrior and a true friend to anyone in need. Now, it’s time to rest and embrace the reward for a life well lived. Rest in peace, Joel. I’m praying for consolation for your mom, dad, and brother as well as your many friends who grieve your loss.