The tragic loss of a loved one can be unimaginable. Emotions flood in, leaving souls adrift. Yet, for some, faith can serve as a beacon. Such is the story of Martin ‘Tiger’ Bech, whose family shines in their grief.
Tiger was not just a former All-Ivy football star at Princeton. He was a beloved son, brother, and cousin. At only 27, he had dreams as vast as the Louisiana sky. Returning home to fish and hunt with friends, his life was suddenly cut tragically short. A truck, driven recklessly, collided with innocent revelers in the early hours of New Year’s Day on Bourbon Street.
Cheri Bech, smooth in her grief, reflects on this heart-wrenching event. She tells of her daughter’s response. ‘Mom, someone killed my cousin. And I forgive him.’ This phrase rings out like a clarion call. It’s as if a tune of resilience echoed through their home. Faith, so often seen as intangible, took a strong form in that moment.
In times of doubt, we often ask ourselves, can faith really guide us? Can it truly bring us peace amid chaos? Cheri believes it can. She emphasizes how God has shown up in remarkable ways since that fateful night. Each day has been a journey down a road paved with tears and hope.
‘On New Year’s night, we got the terrible news about Tiger,’ she recalls. ‘Faith has been our backbone.’ It’s inspiring to see how Cheri’s family has turned to biblical teachings for comfort.
They lean heavily on Isaiah 41:10. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you,” the scripture says. It’s a passage as comforting as a warm embrace. For Cheri and her family, it reinforces the idea that they are not alone in their suffering.
Now, as Tiger’s younger brother Jack prepares for the NFL Draft, there is an added layer of love and loss. Jack wears a family T-shirt as a tribute. ‘Love you always brother! You inspired me every day,’ he writes online. This public expression of grief serves as a reminder of the bonds that transcend even death. How does one cope with such upheaval? By holding onto the memories and values passed down through generations.
Cheri’s words resonate strongly with anyone who has faced loss. What does forgiveness look like in the face of atrocity? Unsurprisingly, forgiveness is often complex. It doesn’t mean forgetting. It’s recognizing the pain while choosing a greater path—healing.
In sharing their faith, the Bech family extends a lifeline to others. They invite every family affected by the attack to join them in prayer. The communal spirit in tragedy is powerful. Cheri underscores that healing is a journey, one they all must traverse together. This message might inspire countless others grappling with similar experiences.
The world can feel heavy. Loss weighs on the soul like a stone. Yet, through faith and forgiveness, we can find a glimmer of hope. It is faith that nurtures the aching heart. It provides strength where all seems lost. And in faith, we foster compassion, even toward those who cause pain.
As we reflect on the events that transpired, there’s a question to ponder: How does loss shape us? For the Bech family, it means embracing charming memories of Tiger. They tell stories of his hard work, drive, and warm community spirit. He was a star not only on the field but also in life.
Let us take a page from their journey. Let us ponder how we can carry forward the light of those we’ve lost. In difficult moments, we can cling to themes of love, support, and faith. Forgiveness and community can kindle hope. After all, isn’t that what Tiger would have wanted? To inspire even amid despair?
