Reflections on Death Too Sudden...

Sometimes it's helpful to put your thoughts down in writing...

I had the opportunity to meet Chris Benoit, his wife and son, albeit only briefly, several years ago.

To meet someone that you watched for quite some time on television in real life is a surreal experience. My friends and I actually joked about my "handshake" with Mr. Benoit, as it was with a sense of awe that I met this "character" who was actually a real person having dinner with his family, getting ready to watch the fireworks over Lake Peachtree like the rest of us.

Unfortunately, reality overcomes this awe with mind-numbingly profound sadness. It's surreal again, but this time for the wrong reasons. That person I saw on TV, the person I shook hands with and the person who was friends with my friends, has presumably taken the lives of those he loved - and his own.

I don't believe that anyone will ever know the motives and the full circumstances surrounding the events of this past weekend in Fayette County - those who could tell the tale are no longer alive to do so. I do, however, believe that speculation and innuendo as to the causes and reasons why will just cause more pain.

To those who say, none of this tarnishes what he's "done in the ring", that, unfortunately, is immaterial. The notoriety Mr. Benoit received for performing in front of millions of fans was well deserved, but that notoriety or acclaim doesn't escape the facts that three people were killed, and it appears killed violently.

There is no indictment on steroids, on professional wrestling and the "lifestyle" wrestlers lead that will explain this away with any satisfaction...this is just a sad, senseless ending to three lives.

Let's not focus on the why - let's move on to making sure we live our lives every day remembering to tell those around us whom we care for that we love them. Let's pray for the souls of those who have died and hope that eternal rest is provided to all of them.

And let's remember that for this very public tragedy, other tragedies like this happen every day in towns just like ours.

The lament beyond this is that we who enjoy the escape wrestling gives are reminded that it's just an act - reality is far more cruel than any piledriver in a wrestling ring. Today is another coming of age for us, both as Fayette County residents and (for those of us who enjoy it) wrestling fans.

Remember not to sweat the small stuff, and remember it's all small stuff. Love one another - that's all we can do.

idk_revisited's blog | login to post comments

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.
Excellent Reflection fiveholewillie - a must read.
Mixer's picture
Submitted by Mixer on Wed, 06/27/2007 - 9:05am.

Your reflection is well thought out and well written. I am not by any stretch of the imagination a pro-wrestling fan. I too met Chris and Nancy on multiple occasions. They both frequented a business my wife owned. Chris was always a soft spoken and very nice guy. Nancy too was polite and friendly. I was always amazed at how small Chris seemed in person compared to his television persona.

Unfortunately, Chris will now always be remembered (at least by me and my wife) for this horrendous act. How can a man kill his wife and son? I too recently suffered a loss. In addition, three of the officers working the case are close personal friends of mine. I spoke with them yesterday and at least a couple of them were deeply impacted by the crime scene.

Between my previous meetings with Chris and his family, my recent loss, and my friends working the case being affected, it has been a real wake-up call for our household.

Life is short and we are busy. We all need to take time to slow down, gather the family, and take the time to talk to each other.

America needs the good old fashioned 'supper table sit downs' more than ever.

Again, good reflection, well written, and good advice. Kudos.

If WWII had been covered by the Modern Media: Great Video


login to post comments
Mixer: Very encouraging and needed words.
AF A-10's picture
Submitted by AF A-10 on Wed, 06/27/2007 - 2:19pm.

Thanks for raising the bar, mate. I agree that now more than ever is a good time to make some phone calls, and make an over due visit or two to let people in our lives know how important they are. Remember when neighbors use to interact and share a meal, cigar, or conversation from time to time? I believe these contacts are where people seeking help might send up warning signs or signals that give friends and family the opportunity to offer help.
Thanks for shining a compassionate light on this sometimes venomous dialog. God Bless!

Cheers

Kevin "Hack" King


login to post comments
Thanks Kev, I Hope all is well at the King house.
Mixer's picture
Submitted by Mixer on Wed, 06/27/2007 - 9:50pm.

Thanks Hack. I try to keep it civil, but occasionally I let someone get under my skin when I feel they have been unjustly personal.

I'm not sure why I care since I have been truly blessed with an incredible wife and kids and an unbelievable life thus far. Heck, I'm REALLY lucky to even be here but that's another couple of stories for another day. Regardless, like everyone else, I need to slow down and realize that this is not just some dress rehearsal, this is the real thing, it's a one time shot, and we need to get it right. That whole 'stop and smell the roses' thing has merit. Eye-wink

I have always appreciated your attempts at maintaining an even keel and tried to emulate you in that regard so I especially appreciate your kind words.

Welcome back to the boards by the way. We missed you and Basmati was pretty heavily outnumbered by all of us right wing wackos. I guess since he is my favorite liberal you will have to be my favorite moderate. By the way, speaking of moderates, have you seen or heard from JeffC. lately?

God Bless you back, Hack.

If WWII had been covered by the Modern Media: Great Video


login to post comments
fiveholemixer: Benoit
Submitted by dollaradayandfound on Wed, 06/27/2007 - 1:53pm.

I agree that such heroes as O.J. Simpson, who broke all kinds of legitimate college and professional records, of recognised real sports, will be read about in 50 years and he will always be considered a great football hero. All this in spite of what he may have done to his wife and friend. The civil case of "guilty" won't even be remembered, and the criminal case won't be noted due to the "not guilty" finding.
As to Mr. Benoit, I surely hope that he wasn't the one who took the life of his son, his wife and himself. "Rasslin" is a tough "entertainment" business; it is populated with a lot of suspicious characters who try to take advantage of less gifted people.
There are several here though who are indicating that Mr. Benoit ("Canadian Crippler") will always be remembered as a magnificent rassler. For those who get some kind of thrill out of this play action, I am happy, but I don't think he will be remembered many years as a great anything except an entertainer to those people.
I do hope the real killer was a steroid pusher or other medication pusher who did the deed.

login to post comments

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.