When a Bridge Turns Blue for Xavier

Last night, the Benjamin Franklin Bridge turned blue for a little boy named Xavier Taylor.
Xavier is only 12 years old, from Maple Shade, New Jersey.
Ten days ago, a baseball struck him in the neck during warmups.
Since that moment, Xavier has not opened his eyes.
He remains on life support as his family waits and prays.
At the latest update, doctors reported no brain activity.
Still, his family continues to hope for a miracle.
His father, Greg Taylor, once stood on a field surrounded by people wearing Xavier’s number.
With unwavering faith, he said his son would play again.
Tonight, the family is facing a decision no parent should ever have to make.
They may have to decide whether to let their little boy go.
They may also be asked to consider organ donation, so Xavier could save other children’s lives.
There is no way to make sense of how something so heartbreaking could happen.
One errant throw.
One ordinary warmup.
One precious 12-year-old boy whose life changed in an instant.
There are no words strong enough to describe what his family is enduring tonight.
But thousands of strangers have been praying for Xavier, even though they never met him.
So tonight, pause for a moment and say a prayer for Xavier and his family.
May they find strength, comfort, and peace in whatever tomorrow brings.
And may Xavier’s name never be forgotten.