5-year-old comforts dad grieving uncle with a priceless reference to iconic football player Johnny Unitas
It is hard to explain to children what death means. It’s even harder to explain the absence of a deceased member. Nevertheless, parents and adults try their best to present the truth as sweetly as possible. Offering a glimpse into death’s hopeful side for children, it’s more challenging for adults to view the concept through the same lens. 5-year-old Princeton helped his dad find a more comforting perspective on loss and grief by using a touching late Johnny Unitas reference to bring healing and warmth. His dad, who goes by u/Rpark888 on Reddit, shared a video of himself having a breakdown over his uncle’s passing when his son consoled him ever so hopefully.
Johnny Unitas was an NFL champion who was a hero for the Baltimore Colts, per ESPN NFL. The athlete passed away at the age of 69 in 2002 after suffering a heart attack. Despite having never played with the Baltimore Ravens, his passion for the game and connection with the team are fondly remembered and respected by many. The dad explained that he had been a die-hard fan of the Baltimore Ravens Football team ever since he was a child. His son, too, had followed in his footsteps and was learning the history of the team and the game.
When Princeton asked about the late footballer, his dad had to explain to him that he had passed away. Making it as subtle as he could, he noted that Unitas was playing for heaven. “I told him that the angels took him to heaven now and he's invisible and plays for heaven's team. He remembered that moment to console me,” the man poignantly noted. The football conversation happened earlier. Recently, the dad received the news that his uncle had passed away. “My dad died when I was 5. My uncle took care of me for a while,” he wrote.
Given their strong bond, the dad was bereaved. In the video, which captured Princeton in the backseat and the dad driving, he broke down as he thought about his late uncle. “Crazy news, I don’t know how to react just now,” he said as he held back tears. “Can I tell you something?” his observant 5-year-old asked. Recalling the instance about the late footballer, the little boy sweetly told his dad, “The angels took your cousin, your dad and your uncle to heaven. Because angels are invisible, right?” He was emphasizing that his uncle and loved ones have gone to a safe place, and though it may not be known, angels have carried them through. “Your dad is invisible,” he added.
Amazed but filled with bittersweet warmth, the dad replied, “Yeah, you’re right, now my dad and uncle are hanging out.” Casually, the 5-year-old continued, “Johnny Unitas is invisible.” The dad couldn’t help but chuckle, knowing his son had thoughtfully tried to put pieces of what he knew together to comfort his dad. Leaving the dad to ponder the sweet occurrence and the memory, the boy casually began to sip water. “Love you, man, thank you for making me laugh,” the dad said, feeling calm after getting a glimpse of the hopeful side of death that he shared with his son. Towards the end of the video, the dad shared pictures of himself and his son with the Johnny Unitas statue in Baltimore. u/TwirlSnout said, “Buddy is a really lovely kid.” u/myworkingreddit added, “Such a beautiful legacy of love and support being passed down.”