Malik Sparkman’s wish for one last trip with his friends finally came true.
Tragically, Malik Sparkman was only 18 years old when he passed away from kidney cancer. He played for Coffee High School’s football team in Georgia and had acquired many friends before passing away. Malik Sparkman’s last wish was that when he died, his friends would carry him through the Coffee High School football tunnel. And so, on May 17, Malik Sparkman’s five friends put on black jerseys and carried his coffin through the Coffe High School football tunnel for one last time. More than 500 friends and family members were in attendance for his memorial.
Although very sad, this picture reminds me of another group of friends who carried their friend to a special destination. In Luke 5:19, we come upon the story of four friends who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus. Since natural paths to Jesus were blocked off, the friends had to get a little more creative. The dedicated friends carried their lame friend to the rooftop and lowered him down to Jesus.
Most of the high schoolers that I’ve worked with this year are graduating this weekend. First of all, congratulations! Secondly, remember that the friends who you consider close will probably be with you until your final moments. Treat them good and make sure to stay in touch 🙂
