It was 15 and 1/2 years of preparation and training.
The road was wrought with sweat, exercise, and personal challenges - there was the learning, understanding and memorization of the playbook while always keeping his eye on the ball and on the prize. This involved living life properly with a daily regime - eating, sleeping and living with complete focus and with great anticipation and anxiety for the taste for the win and with a hunger to be personally responsible and accountable for the victory. There was proper nourishment, daily focus, self-sacrifice and of course there was the overcoming of obstacles, insecurities and failures. But the coach said to keep a positive attitude and to stay resolute – so he did. So while there were dropped balls along the way, he remained positive, with unbridled confidence and a sense of humor that helped others get through their tough times as well. Why? Because that’s what the great ones do. So there were weekly team meetings to stay on target and of course there was much prayer.
All these things lead up to the play of his life.
And when it was his time, he gladly and proudly jumped on to the field with a smile and with confidence, he brought in the play – and he responded with the immaculate reception.
I’m not referring to living life to win at an Earthly game, I’m referring living life to win the victory of Eternal Life.
You see, as much as Taylor loved Football, he loved Jesus that much more. It was this preparation that I refer to, it was this training that he excelled in and it was this prize that he sought, and won.
It was the play called by God 15 ½ years ago, the pass thrown by Jesus and the reception was cleanly caught by Taylor. Yes, he caught that pass and it earned him a Heavenly touchdown, winning the game for all of us. He’s now a member of the Pro-bowl, the Hall of Fame of Heavenly football. He’s with many of your passed friends and family members, some are participating the rest are fans in the stadium watching him play in the Holy game.
It was the play of his life, his Eternal Life.
I’m proud of you son, love - Dad
Taylor Haugen 3/16/1993 – 8/30/2008