R.I.P. Chris Henry (1983-2009)

Living life is so much easier than reflecting on it.

Losing someone close, whether it be a family member or friend, is something one can never truly prepare for, let alone expect. Losing them during the Christmas season only adds to the burden. Unfortunately, the family of Chris Henry will forever associate this time of the year with death. It seems so cliche’ to say “prayers go out to his family”, but it’s true, they do. Nothing you say or do can replace that person being here in the physical form. While pictures and old videos may speak a thousand words, “the present” is just that, a present. It’s indescribable.

As a diehard sports fan, it’s always painful to hear news like this, especially considering the fact the untimely passing of Sean Taylor is still relatively fresh. Sure, Henry had his mistakes off the field and at times could have even been seen as ignorant, but like death always manages to do, it’s trivial in the grand scheme that is life. Fans lost a player. Players lost a teammate (brother). Parents lost a son. And a young woman lost her groom-to-be. Whatever the “domestic situation” was that led to this, it’s none of my (or your) business. Fact of the matter is, he was only 26 and was in Charlotte planning his wedding which was to be in March. Yeah, 26. Around the same age as a lot of people who frequent this site (including myself). It serves as a lesson we’re reminded of each time a person passes. Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you can’t die and just because you’re old doesn’t mean life is over. We’re all living on borrowed time.

But, of course, we all know that. It’s nothing like a reality check to perform a self evaluation. In closing, however, I’d only like to say we here at KarenCivil.com extend our prayers to everyone who had the chance to truly know Chris Henry. Rest in peace.