Say a Prayer

Please say a prayer tonight for missing NFL players Marquis Cooper and Corey Smith and their friend Will Bleakley.  The three as most of you know have been missing at sea since Saturday.

As of this evening, the Coast Guard has called off the search.

Cooper’s father, Bruce, as many know, is a sportscaster here on KPNX (NBC).  Marquis Cooper went to Gilbert Highland High School and is from right here in Mesa where I am.  There is a vigil tonight at his grandfather’s church right around the corner from where I live at Central Christian Church in Mesa.

I remember almost 20 years ago when I was a ball boy for the Cardinals and I had the chance to meet Bruce when he was just starting his career at channel 12.  He gave me my only NBC Sports hat.  All I had to do was ask once and he came through for me even after I had forgotten I had asked.  Bruce Cooper is one of the good guys.  This should not be happening to him and his family.  They don’t deserve it.  However as we all know, life isn’t fair and I am one who believes God has a plan for all of us.

As the realization grows closer that Marquis, Corey, and Will are not going to be found, now we must turn to offer our prayers to the families.  They are going through a tough time.  It breaks my heart to see three families struggle to come to terms with losing a son, a brother, a grandson.  I could not even imagine what any of them are feeling.  I know what is like to lose a loved one, but I could never imagine what it feels like to lose someone this way.

Please again, say a prayer for all involved, including the channel 12 news family. It is hard to watch them deal with this tragedy on the air. Thanks!