Daimion Collins starting a journey that no one ever wants to take

Daimion Collins, right, will need support from his teammates, coaches and fans after the death of his father. (UK Athletics Photo)

Prior to tipoff before Thursday night’s game, a moment of silence was observed for Ben Collins, father of Daimion Collins, who passed away unexpectedly earlier last week.

As silence fell through Rupp I looked to the highest section in the corner. This was the corner I sat for my first Kentucky basketball game. My mother somehow managed to get tickets as I cheered for Kyle Macy and the Cats. It was the only game I would ever attend with my mother.

Growing up it is unfathomable to imagine life without our parents. They are there for the celebrations and the defeats. As we age we assume they will be there for the birth of grandchildren and our journey through adulthood.

I lost my mother 10 years ago. My life has moved forward but I had to accept my new normal and realize it would never be the same. I cannot imagine losing a parent at the age of 19 or 20. The realization that my parent would not be present for my career achievements, my relationships, my wedding or the birth of my children would be inconceivable.

Saying goodbye is never easy. Watching a loved one suffer until their body surrenders as they reach for you in their final moments is a goodbye that will never be forgotten. An unexpected death leaves with the memory of what the last words you shared.

It seems like yesterday I was telling my mom “your cheeks are so rosie today you look like a teenager.”

Those words will be forever embedded in my heart. I had no idea three hours later I would be in the Emergency Room beside her lifeless body after she was  killed trying to cross Main Street in Danville.

Daimion is just beginning a journey no one likes to travel. This was supposed to be his year. His dad moved to Lexington to be a support system for his son. That all disappeared for Daimion in the blink of an eye last week.

There will never be a game that he will not glance to the parents’ section and feel the absence of his dad. When he has a standout performance, he will feel the absence of his dad to celebrate. When he needs a pep talk, he will feel the absence of his dad to provide it.

This is going to be a rough year for Daimion.

I beg the BBN to respect what this young man will be going through. Realize that through the good and the bad he is hurting. Above all, if you feel the need to tweet negativity, think before you tweet.

Please be kind.