Nobody wants to suffer, but it seems to be an integral part of the human condition. Oftentimes the only real choice is how to deal with what befalls us. Instead of second-guessing the Emerson's family's decision to allow Logan to race, maybe we should admire the graceful, selfless way they handled the unbearable pain of losing a child. His parents donated his organs, an act that seems small but is unfortunately too rare.

According to donatelife.net, every 12 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list. On average, 18 people die each day from the lack of available organs. Oh, and one other stat — although 90 percent of adults say they support organ donation, only 30 percent of us do what's necessary to make it a reality.

This family did something about a few of those names. They saw past their own pain and offered help to people they've never met.

Why are we so critical of a family who recognized their son's passion and talent for a sport and then did what they could to watch him reach his potential, but we have none of this venom when a child wanders away from a scout camp?

Isn't being out in the wild dangerous? Yes, it is. But it's also fun, educational and it is living life. For those of us who want to show our kids what it's like to sleep under the stars, it is worth the risk.

I don't know Logan Emerson or why he loved to ride motorcycles. I do, however, know that if you're living life with any zest at all, you might get hurt...

If you trust people, they might disappoint you. If you love people, they might break your heart. If you play hard, injuries are almost certain.

I love the passion, the enthusiasm and the drive the young athletes I write about possess. I admire that they're out there in the big, bad world following their dreams. Instead of worrying about them or wondering if climbing on the back of that bull or into football pads is too dangerous for them, I choose to be inspired by their ability to feel fear but cling to joy.

Logan Emerson lived a lot of life in eight years and he offered a lot of love. Maybe some of that will return to his family in their darkest hour.

E-MAIL: adonaldson@desnews.com