Cole’s Story

The story of cole

“For anyone that knew Cole the idea that he would take his life was unimaginable even to this day.”

Our son, Cole, was an amazing young man that in spite of his short time on this side of heaven, lived a very full life. He was kind, loyal, athletic, social and academically driven. Hunting, fishing, playing football and baseball were among his favorite passions. He was also a perfectionist with an incredibly sensitive heart. His desire to follow Jesus each day was the most beautiful part of who he was. He tried daily to walk his talk and was a fierce protector of teens who needed that extra encouragement or kind words for the day.

At home, Cole was so easy to be with. Yes, he was human and did normal teenage things but his passion for his family, daily, was extra special and way beyond his years. Mike and I have always felt so very blessed to have the most incredible three children. We nurtured our children to truly value the love and special bond of our family.

Cole loved his older sister, Haden, not just as a sister but as a best friend. She was three years older but she loved that he provided a calming force for her. They shared time, every day, just the two of them, talking about their day and encouraging one another. It was unique and unexplainable.

Then, there was his relationship with Emma, his sister that was three years younger. He was her hero. He carried that little girl everywhere they went even into the fifth grade. He tied her shoes every day and walked her into her classroom daily. He taught her how to throw a football and play basketball. He would help her fall asleep and feel safe.

To describe Cole with his daddy is almost impossible. They hunted and fished together. They played sports and spent hours daily together. He was his daddy’s best buddy. Describing the love between Cole and his momma would be hard to put into words. He was sensitive, protective, respectful and loving. Cole was viewed by so many as the total package. He was admired by so many and considered to have an exceptional future ahead of him.

Yet with all the appearances of a perfect life, on October 26, 2009, Cole took his life. It was a Monday morning when tragedy and horrific loss took its grip on our family and those who knew Cole. Cole had been trying to manage normal teenage decisions, academics, friends, athletics and social media, which allowed so much noise and temptation into his life. Apparently, his perfectionism and integrity came to a crossroads that must have overwhelmed him. In an irrational moment, the perfect storm hit for Cole and he made the decision to end his life and changed the course of life for not just our family but many others. This is our journey of healing, restoration, and hope.