The Day Damar Hamlin Fell

We didn’t know we missed you until we missed you and now we miss you so much.

Like a flag flying at half mast, the clouds hang in the sky over Buffalo today. Safety is the word because no right person ever hoped for this to happen. The sound of a train’s horn wails in the distance for you, Damar, but the bells are quiet because when you fell, it came as a shock to everyone.

That morning, before the game, it’s doubtful you knew how your teammates, grown men, and football warriors, would weep for you openly, captured on live television. What a rare sight and a sign of their love for you.

Your absence from the field of life from such a freak incident devastates us. Not only because we’re shocked, but because others, those close to you, those who know you, are so saddened by your unexpected fall. Love is contagious, the love we know they share with you.

We want you back.

Just a year ago, you began a toy drive for children with the goal of raising $2,500. You signed the page with your name, Damar Hamlin from the Chasing M’s Foundation. Today, just now, that fundraiser has skyrocketed from $2500 to over $4 million. That money will buy a lot of toys that will make many children very happy.

The comments made on the donations are filled with emotion from complete strangers:

“Praying for you #3, may Jesus save you”

“My thoughts and prayers go out to Damar and his family.”

“Chicago praying.”

Last night, fans from both teams assembled outside the hospital, UC Medical Center in Cincinnati, to hold a vigil for the Buffalo Bills’ safety.

Why? Because your story is an inspiration and gift to us all. We’re grateful for the reminder of how fragile and precious life can be.

We can only pray that, like Lazarus, you rise and walk among us again. Because we all share a feeling, Damar, that life has more in store for you.