My Son Died 24 Years Ago Today in a Jet Ski Accident
@bagarad (14283)
Paso Robles, California
August 27, 2015 1:48pm CST
I will never forget that day. He was 14. He was going off to a lake near Los Angeles to water ski with a small group from church. One of the four adults in the group had a boat and water skis. We didn't know he was also bringing a jet ski.
We hadn't wanted Jason to go because we had a terrible feeling about it. But he'd been a good kid all summer, helping my husband a lot with preparing an apartment unit to rent. He deserved to have a good time, but we still had an awful feeling about it. We finally told him that we didn't want him to go, that we didn't feel good about it, but we had no logical reason to keep him home. We said he could make the decision. He decided to go.
We would not have let him had we been told the jet ski would be there. We would not have let him ride it. He knew that. But he'd always wanted to ride it and couldn't say no when offered the chance. He was dying to ride it. He died riding it when he collided with a boat he could neither see nor hear. He missed the rest of his life. We have missed him for 24 years and always will.
22 people like this
25 responses
@Marcyaz (35316)
• United States
28 Aug 15
OMG Bagarad how terrible for you and your family to have to go through the sorrow of losing your son when he had his whole life ahead of him. I am so, so very sorry to hear this, people will tell you that it gets easier as time goes on but it does not. He will always be in your mind and heart
. I know as I also had a loss of sons many years ago but I very seldom talk about it as it is just too painful.
. I know as I also had a loss of sons many years ago but I very seldom talk about it as it is just too painful.4 people like this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
1 Sep 15
Time has probably helped him ease the pain. But you know men are better at hiding their emotions than us women are. I'm sure it bothers him and will forever bother him but how and when he chooses to show his emotions is up to him.
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
28 Aug 15
My deepest sympathy for your sweet Son's passing..Even though you had a feeling of something not right, you gave him a chance to decide. There wasn't anything you could do and for that it makes it even harder for you.
I have never had to go through a loss of a child but i can feel for you and be your friend.
I hope you have many memories to put in a book of your Son Jason.
Hugs dear One!
4 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
28 Aug 15
I am so sorry to read of your loss friend.
It is something when we have a feeling and cannot know the future or what it is that we are feeling.
These feelings are real.
I wish that he had not gone. RIP Jason.
5 people like this
@TiarasOceanView (70035)
• United States
29 Aug 15
@bagarad That is something bagarad..much comfort to you friend.
2 people like this
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
28 Aug 15
I am so sorry for your loss. That is so sad. I am sure your son is with you every day, May he always rest in peace.
4 people like this
@katsmeow1213 (28717)
• United States
27 Aug 15
That is so sad, and he was so young. I am so sorry for your loss.
4 people like this
@dashboardc33 (314)
•
27 Aug 15
Oh my, that is so sad. I'm so sorry for your loss. I can imagine even after 24 year it still hits you pretty hard. Be strong today!
4 people like this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
29 Aug 15
These things stay in our hearts forever, but the sweet memories outweigh the painful ones.
@Treesaver4future (28)
• Portland, Oregon
28 Aug 15
That is heart-wrenching, my condolences. :(
4 people like this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
3 Sep 15
No parent can always make the right decision. None of us can predict the future. We have to go with the information we have. I used to fear for my son every time he went out on his mountain bike into the state park, but he always came home safely.
1 person likes this
@glenniah (1197)
• Mandurah, Australia
28 Aug 15
Sorry to hear about your loss it must be hard even after all this time. I guess now you have memories of the short time you had him with you. As you know this was not something you could have changed, he made his choice and who knew what the outcome would be.It must be incredibly difficult to lose a child. God bless you.
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
29 Aug 15
We have nine years of precious memories. Jason was five when he joined our family first as a foster child, and then as an adopted son. He's now been gone for almost three times as long as he was with us, but it still seems like just yesterday.
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
1 Sep 15
My oldest who's nearly 13 is getting into things and we are worried about her safety more than she is. She doesn't realize why parents feel some things are not to be had or done.... that sort of intuition.
I'm sorry for your loss. I imagine it hurts to think about everything that happened and where he might be today in his life.
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
4 Sep 15
@bagarad I totally get it. I had a friend in my junior year of high school who was murdered in a drive by shooting. I've always felt bad for her Mother... not only was Mom widowed but lost her only child. She is buried with her father. I do need to go out and visit as she's been gone 22 yrs and the other year when I was out there people are still leaving notes, cards, balloons, drawings in chalk.... it's heart breaking.
1 person likes this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
4 Sep 15
@3SnuggleBunnies I think murder has got to be the worst way to lose a child. Long illnesses are also hard, but at least the child suffers with his parents by his side. That is not the case when child is murdered or worse and has no one to comfort and help.
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
3 Sep 15
You're right. That's what I think about. I wonder what occupation he might have chosen, whether he'd be married by now and to whom, and whether he might have had children.
@DanieGirl80587 (2713)
• United States
28 Aug 15
My condolences. Unfortunately accidents happen in life. No one could have known he would collide with another boat. It was a risk to even ride the jet ski. But without risks, I guess he felt maybe he wasn't really living. Sadly it did cost him his life and I am so sorry for that..... I know that pain will never leave and I know you will miss him forever, and just know that that is OK.
2 people like this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
29 Aug 15
You do seem to understand. In a way, I'm glad we let him decide after we shared the reasons why we hoped he'd make a different decision. I'm thinking it's easier this way than if he'd stayed home and helped my husband and gotten in a fatal accident while working with him that day, though they weren't working on anything I think was dangerous. But what is, is. We will always miss him.
1 person likes this
@Poppythesame (9)
•
28 Aug 15
Oh, that is so sad. I'm so sorry for your loss. Today is our Ghost Festival, we believe it's a time that past loved ones come with us.
2 people like this
@missybear (11391)
• United States
28 Aug 15
That's very sad, sometimes you need to go with your gut feeling
1 person likes this
@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
29 Aug 15
I don't really expect any visits, but I know there will be a grand reunion someday.
