Vision Meets Distance: A Reflection on the Death of a Friend

Vision is an interesting concept. We are commonly unable to see things when they are too far away, but we often forget the other difficult part of Vision—trying to see things that are too close. Just as things are difficult to make out from afar, things get blurry when right in front of our eyes. Therefore, often, I have to take a step back in order to see things clearly. Distance is where true Vision begins.

Distance is now one of the things that stand between my current thoughts on the death of my former classmate, teammate, and friend, Jerome Ellington. Two years ago from yesterday, he was murdered by a firearm. Even in the tragic act by which he was killed, Distance played a role. According to the police reports, Jerome was shot with a shotgun from a close range. Therefore, Jerome stood toe-to-toe with Death—so close that it became blurry.

Now, a year later, what is our position? How clear is our Vision? Ironically, when I was close to Jerome physically—shaking hands in the hallways, cracking jokes on the team buses, and running up and down the court alongside one him—I was actually the farthest removed from him. I failed to see the other dimensions he possessed as a person—dimensions we all possess as people—the ability to affect people’s lives. My Vision was blurry.

Then, January 28th happened. And, I received a series of calls and text messages that confirmed the misfortune—Jerome was murdered. After tragedy happened, I moved closer. I saw and heard friends, classmates, and his family members mourn. I , myself, mourned. As most do when events such as these occur, we posed questions, both to the natural and the supernatural, asking why. Emotions began to run rapid, as they should in such an emotional time, I began to see his dimensions, and I got close to Jerome—too close. My Vision was blurry.

A year later, I am still in search of the right amount of Distance. We need a place, especially in situations like these, where we are far enough to move with courage and clear purpose but close enough never to forget. I believe this is why Vision is so important. Clear Vision is what Jerome’s loved ones will need to keep peace and sanity. Clear Vision what motivates myself and dedicated members of the SOLUTION to want to do all we can to keep Jerome’s story from being told with the use of different names—making sure Jerome did not die in vain. Clear Vision is caring just enough to make a difference. Tonight, I pray that we all find the right position that will give us clear Vision—not just to handle the loss of loved ones—for our futures. Blurred Vision is the problem. Be a part of the SOLUTION!

OxyJon