While driving to work recently, a female reporter over the radio said, “Lamar Odom was found unresponsive in a Nevada brothel.  Recent cocaine use and natural sexual performance enhancing supplements were reported…..”

I don’t remember what the reporter said next or what story she moved on to, but she moved on quickly, as newscasters must do.  They report the news.

I’m not sure why I had such an extreme reaction to this particular piece of news, but I immediately felt hot, stinging tears form in my eyes and a lump grow in my throat.  I turned off the radio, which had now moved on to ads at this point, to process what I’d just heard.

I don’t know Lamar or follow his career or his life in the tabloids, but what broke my heart that day was the story of a 35-year old man: Once a newborn baby held in the arms of his mother.  Once a kid shooting hoops on the playground—did he dream he’d play professionally one day?  Once a man becoming a father himself for the first time.  Now, found unresponsive in a brothel.  What happened?!

Can you imagine if this was your son, your grandson, or your brother??

The point of me sharing this story today, is to Read more