The Chance to Say Goodbye: Hope for Grieving Parents

by Janice Cross Kerlee

On November 18, 1999, a tragic accident at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, claimed the lives of twelve young people and seriously injured twenty-seven others when the annual bonfire to celebrate the University of Texas versus Texas A&M Thanksgiving football game collapsed during the final stages of construction.Eleven young people died at the scene, but the twelfth victim, Timothy Doran Kerlee, Jr., lived almost forty-two hours before succumbing to his injuries. Seven months after his death, his parents left their secular life in Memphis, Tennessee, and moved to College Station to work as volunteers in campus ministry at the very school where their son had died. What happened to cause this couple to make such a life-changing decision?The Chance to Say Goodbye answers that question, while telling the tale of a young hero, who, on that fateful night, refused aid for himself until his friends had been helped. Author Janice Cross Kerlee offers help to parents who have lost children. She assists them in dealing with their grief and teaching their friends how to help in a time of need. Finally, The Chance to Say Goodbye testifies to the mighty works of God and His ever-present love.

166 pages, Paperback

First published January 4, 2004

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book as a fellow Aggie and a member of the College Station community who was profoundly affected by the Bonfire tragedy. Janice Kerlee's telling of Tim and the events surrounding his death are very touching and parts of the book are emotionally difficult to read.

The content of the book is not truly directed to grieving parents. However, the book certainly offers plenty of Christian-based comfort and hope for all. The last two sections of the book are especially thought provoking.

I highly respect the Kerlees for all that they have done after loosing Tim. They are true examples of cooperating with God to bring good from evil.