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ATB blog

The Ride

9/16/2015

8 Comments

 
I had just returned from a great weekend in ATL when the phone rang this morning with the shattering news. My youngest son had died in a motorcycle accident. Another driver had made an improper turn and struck him down. The feeling was one I never expected to feel, the death of a 29 year old young man with all his life in front of him. Then it hit me, I had to drive alone on the ride back home.

Now I have been at war, seen young men die defending our country, lost my best friend, daughter-in-law, Dad and Mom in consecutive years, but I was not ready to lose my son. So on the 5 hour ride which was filled with phone calls, texts, emails and so many words of sympathy and encouragement, there were also the quiet moments of God and I reckoning this tragedy.  And what he did for me to comfort me was flash all the memories of Paul's life in front of me as well as those times we spent together as father and son.

The ride was filled with tears, filled with memories, and as I am sure other parents have felt in this situation, questioning why? His wife is devastated, his Mom inconsolable and his sister is heart broken. Through it all I can't help but want to spend the next few days finding ways to honor my son and how he lived his life to the fullest.

His friends posted so many great heart warming comments on Facebook and there were a dozen cars in his driveway when I pulled up, the house filled with friends. Then I saw his 2 year old son, and I saw Paul in him, but I didn't see Paul, and I cried all over again, because I would never see him alive again.

His ride, his motorcycle was his pride and joy. I remember the day he showed it to me in my driveway and my words were "son, this scares me because you are now a father and there are some crazy drivers out there". But he looked at me with a sparkle in his eye and said "I've got it Dad"
and I thought he's young, adventurous and I would probably be doing the same thing if I had it to do again.

The ride is over now, but forever in my heart I will cherish this great young man, his adventurous spirit, and I will honor him always because I am so proud to have been his father.
8 Comments
John and Marsy Thomas
9/16/2015 09:46:10 am

Glenn, our hearts are broken and we greive with you. May our beloved and faithful Father bless you and your family with peace.
Psalm 147:3
He heals the broken hearted and binds up their wounds.
Marsy and John Thomas

Reply
Camille Panu
9/16/2015 12:27:37 pm

I'm so heart-broken for you and your family. He was blessed to have such a godly and loving father. I am praying the memories comfort you.

Reply
Tabatha
9/16/2015 04:40:35 pm

Glenn I took the ride home with you ,I was praying and since I have a fear of driving on the expressway this made me more nervous for you! We serve a mighty god and this to shall pass.

Reply
Gary
9/16/2015 06:21:12 pm

May God's peace and love cover you and your family. Paul was a good man and I know from all you have told me over recent years that you are very proud of him.

Reply
Beth Thompson
9/17/2015 02:51:15 pm

Prayers of peace for you and your family, Glenn. I literally had chills reading your previous post about the seasons in life. God is, indeed, faithful. He will hold you in his arms through this most difficult of seasons. Grace and peace!

Reply
Eddie A.
9/17/2015 03:19:42 pm

Glenn thank you for being there for me, all the times. I am here for you, may God give you peace and comfort at this time. Love you. Our condolences.

Reply
Binta Rose
2/12/2021 12:24:11 pm

I'm so sorry for your loss. I just lost my 23 yo in a motorcycle accident as well Aug 30 2020. I'm just trying to cope day by day.

Reply
Glenn Yankowski link
2/12/2021 07:53:32 pm

Binta so sorry for your loss please call me if you need to talk.

Glenn 404-915-7376

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Glenn Yankowski

    Glenn is an ex-Marine Viet Nam vet who is also a recovering alcoholic, clean and sober for 30 years. He has been involved in start up and ongoing recovery ministry at North Atlanta Church and Campus for the last two decades. He has a passion for outreach and to spread the message that the answer to lasting and fulfilling recovery from addiction is in a relationship with Jesus Christ. He and the ATB team are available to assist in your questions or needs on an individual basis and will do so maintaining complete confidentiality. You may e-mail him at sgtski@bellsouth.net.

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