A month ago, the unimaginable happened to me and my family. My grandson, Chase Harris Cole, 25, was killed in a one-person car accident while returning to his home in Colusa, Fl. I am mourning both Chase’s tragic loss and also the deep pain of his father (my son), daughter-in-law, and his brothers, and our extended family. I respect the faith community that has surrounded Chase’s immediate family with prayers, meals, funds, and the kind of love Chase inspired in so many and so diverse a group of people, black and white, young and old. I am finding what comfort and courage I can in the fact that, in just 25 years, Chase made such an impact on so many. Friends who attended his packed Homegoing service told me they had never felt so much love in one place and one time. It was indeed palpable. Love and loss go hand in hand, of course. If we are lucky enough to love, we will undoubtably experience grief. At 84, I have learned that lesson well. I am in no hurry to move on. The loss of Chase will never be past tense to me. In fact, when I am able live up to my ideals of kindness, acceptance, respect and love for everyone, I feel inspired by his shining example. May it continue to be so.
Woman Aloud 