Shaquille O’Neal, explosive and veteran center for the Phoenix Suns, is experiencing what we rather not deal with at all, but have on some level… and that’s death. He took off some time from the team to be with his family after his great-grandmother’s passing.

When I heard the news, after the initial feeling of sadness for O’Neal’s loss, I thought of how wonderful it must have been to have a great-grandmother (Wow!)… All the stories and memories and things cherished. What a treasure he had to have had her ear and her love and support.

I remember losing my grandmothers (four weeks apart) and the pain I felt for my parents along with the weird feeling that a layer of protection had left me… (I think it’s a feeling that one can only experience.). I believe that’s indeed what happens. You lose a layer of strength that protected you all of your days, but in the same breathe, you take on the strength that they passed on to you. Its an unwavering strength that reminds you of lessons learned, of dreams deferred, and precious loves.

I mourn with O’Neal and anyone, for that matter, who loses someone dear… and, with this, what a cherished thing to have had such wealth.