Laurie Force’s father died five years ago, and he’s still in mourning…learn more

**Laurie Force: The Journey Through Grief Five Years After His Father’s Death**

Laurie Force, a former collegiate athlete and current coach for a prominent university lacrosse team, is a man of passion and dedication. Yet, despite his achievements on and off the field, there exists a profound grief that shadows his life—a grief emanating from the death of his father five years ago. This loss has left an indelible mark on Laurie, shaping not only his personal journey but also his approach to coaching and life itself.

Laurie grew up in a family where sports were not merely a pastime; they were a way of life. His father, a former lacrosse player and a huge influence in his life, encouraged him to pursue the sport from a young age. “My dad was my coach, my biggest cheerleader, and my best friend,” Laurie often reflects. “He taught me about hard work, dedication, and the importance of resilience.”

When Laurie’s father passed away in 2018, it sent shockwaves through his world. The relationship they shared had always been intertwined with their love for lacrosse, making the loss all the more difficult to navigate. “Every time I step on the field, I feel his absence. It’s like playing with a piece of my heart missing,” he confided during an interview. “I’ve had to learn how to redefine what that relationship means now that he’s gone.”

The grieving process has not been linear for Laurie. Initially, he found himself engulfed in a haze of sorrow and confusion. His father’s death occurred during a pivotal moment in Laurie’s coaching career, adding an extra layer of complexity to an already challenging period. “I was trying to build a program and lead a team while grappling with a personal loss that felt unbearable,” he said. “It was tough to focus on the game when my heart felt so heavy.”

Laurie started to experience the common symptoms of grief—sleepless nights, absent-mindedness, and emotional outbursts. He often questioned whether he could move forward, unsure if he would even find joy in coaching again. “There were days when I just wanted to give up. I didn’t know how to keep pushing through,” he admitted. “You often hear that time heals things, but in those moments, it felt like time was standing still.”

However, as the months passed, Laurie began to find solace through reflection. He realized that his father’s life lessons were still applicable and could help him navigate this turbulent journey. “I started to think about what my dad would want for me,” he explained. “He always emphasized the importance of pushing through difficult times. I knew I had to honor that, even if it felt impossible.”

One day, while going through old photographs and memorabilia, Laurie stumbled upon a box filled with letters and notes from his father. Each one contained words of encouragement and love, underscoring the bond they shared over the years. This moment proved to be transformative for Laurie. “Reading those words felt like my dad was speaking to me again,” he said. “It reminded me that he was proud of me and wanted me to succeed, regardless of the circumstances.”

Embracing this newfound perspective, Laurie sought ways to incorporate his father’s legacy into his coaching style. Inspired by their shared passion for lacrosse, he began to create a more supportive and emotionally aware team culture. “I wanted my players to know that it’s okay to feel things deeply. The game is about much more than just winning or losing; it’s about connection,” he explained. He promoted open communication and encouraged his players to share their own struggles, fostering an environment where vulnerability was seen as a strength rather than a weakness.

The impact of Laurie’s approach resonated deeply with his team. Players began to share their own stories of loss, adversity, and triumph, creating a sense of camaraderie that went beyond the sport. Conversations previously avoided in male-dominated spaces were now taking center stage. Laurie recalls some of the most powerful moments: “I had players come to me, sharing how they had lost family members, friends, or faced challenges in their personal lives. It created a bond that strengthened not just our team but also us as individuals.”

In the following years, Laurie focused on honoring his father through community outreach initiatives. He started a scholarship fund to support young athletes with financial needs, particularly those who lost a parent. “I wanted to ensure that no child had to sacrifice their dreams due to circumstances beyond their control, just like I had the privilege to pursue my dreams with my father’s support,” Laurie remarked. This scholarship has allowed him to bridge his experiences with others, creating a hopeful legacy inspired by his father’s influence.

Laurie also embarked on a personal journey to understand the nuances of grief better. He began attending grief counseling and support groups, allowing him to engage with others who had navigated similar losses. “It was an eye-opening experience. Hearing others’ stories made me realize that I was not alone in my struggle. Grief is shared; it’s a universal experience,” he shared. This community uplifted him, providing a safe space to process emotions he had bottled up for so long.

Five years later, Laurie still feels the sting of his father’s absence, but he has also discovered an immense well of resilience and strength within himself. The journey through grief has taught him valuable life lessons—lessons that transcend lacrosse and influence how he approaches relationships, setbacks, and triumphs in life. He continues to honor his father’s memory while building his own legacy, intertwined with love and vulnerability.

In moments of reflection, especially before games or practices, Laurie often pauses to acknowledge his father’s presence. Whether it’s a favorite song that they shared or a quiet moment of gratitude at the sidelines, these small rituals have become crucial for him. “I talk to him. I let him know what’s been happening and ask for guidance,” he shared. “It’s my way of keeping him close.”

As he continues through his coaching career, Laurie Force embodies the belief that grief, while painful, can be a profound teacher. His story encourages those who are mourning to embrace their feelings, to find community in shared experiences, and to transform pain into purpose. By creating a positive legacy rooted in love, Laurie reminds us that while we may carry the weight of loss, we can also share the light of memories and honor those we’ve lost in meaningful ways.

Through his journey, Laurie has emerged not only as a remarkable coach but also as a beacon of hope for those navigating their own paths through grief. His experiences echo the sentiment that life continues despite loss, and through vulnerability, we can foster resilience, understanding, and love that transcends even the deepest of sorrows…see more