The events of Dec. 15 will not soon be forgotten by anyone associated with the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball.
That was the day the academy lost one of its own, as Tanner Craswell was gunned down outside Claresholm.
Saturday in Lethbridge inside the Enmax Centre, southern Alberta’s baseball community, and many others, gathered to mourn the loss of Craswell and two others.
It was an event which drew a large crowd, as Craswell was remembered by many, in particular Vauxhall High School teacher Scott Reiling and VAB coach Les McTavish, along with Jets players past at the podium and present Jets players in the stands.
Both Reiling and mcTavish knew the former Jets standout well. The Reiling family took Craswell in as a billet, while McTavish watched the young Price Edward Island native grow into one of the leaders on the field and in the locker room for the Jets.
Tragic events like this have no way of being predicted, as Craswell was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time over a relationship that went wrong that had nothing to do with him. But what often can be predicted is how a tragic event like this can bring a community together.
And the community came together indeed, not only in the Vauxhall Academy of Baseball, but the larger Vauxhall community as well.
The academy puts an emphasis on the student part of a student athlete in seeking avenues to be involved in the community.
The VAB attempts to not be segregated away from the rest of the community, as many kids make the transition from their own homes across Canada.
From Reiling and McTavish’s testimonials at the memorial, Craswell had a way of resonating with any person he came across. The tragic way of his passing is one more reminder to cherish those around us, whoever they may be, be it family, a friend since elementary  school, a respected co-worker or an acquaintance that has graced our lives recently. All our time together is fleeting.
Do not always assume there will be a tomorrow to tell someone how much you care about them when you can do it today.
Life is what we make of it, and it is helped through the support of family and friends. Phone that family member or friend you haven’t seen in awhile and reconnect once again.