A beautiful and generous statement...

from Jon Lacina's grieving parents. What a gift to his friends and to the Iowa State campus community that united to search for him last winter. Along with a description of the circumstances surrounding their son's death (details that are sure to put many rumors to rest), the Lacinas share some sage advice:

The possible lessons are simple--buddy-up, drink in moderation if you drink, carry a well-charged cell phone with good batteries, and know your physical limitations. After taking reasonable precautions, however, we maintain living life fully is best. Life is precarious, and living every day fully is not just foolish optimism; it is a recognition all of us share the same end no matter what, and not living fully is at best laziness or fear or at worst a denial and a form of disrespect to those, older and younger, who have worked to enrich our lives. These may seem like strong words. They are the words of grieving parents trying to lean into the pain so as to continue moving forward day to day. We believe they express a truth about what it means to truly live, and certainly how we should live to honor our son, Jon.