Story by Mark Everett Kelly mark@southerntorch.com

I’m jealous of Aiden Parham. At 5’ 11”, he has a radiant smile and is a natural athlete. Celebrating his 17th birthday, he’s the picture of health and vitality.

Entering his senior season, Parham is a force to be reckoned with on the football field. Last season, he ran for 2,532 yards (7.7 yards per carry) and 28 touchdowns for Sylvania, earning all-state honors.

This season, the Rams are determined to surpass their 2023 success (11-3, 7-0 in Class 3A Region 6, lost in the third round of playoffs at Madison Academy) under the guidance of first-year head coach Tanner Nelson.

On closer observation, Aiden’s eyes reflect a resilience and determination that can only be forged in life’s most challenging moments. His calmness in the face of adversity speaks a language of inspiration.

In January of 2023, Aiden lost his father, Nathan, to leukemia at the young age of 43.

“I was close to my dad; it was tough, and I hated watching him go through all that,” Parham said.

Boys need their fathers, especially at Aiden’s age. Experiencing such a loss leaves questions without answers. For Aiden, there is only one place to go for life’s answers.

“Are you a Christian?” he asked.

Faith in Jesus defines Aiden’s life. 

“I’ve been saved since I was eight and always been close to God, but when dad got sick, praying and drawing closer to God got me through it,” he said.

Despite his faith, Aiden struggled for a while after he passed, dealing with the shock.

“When he passed, it as hard even to realize what happened; despite all that pain, I developed somewhat of a peace knowing where he was going,” Parham said.

Faith matters. Christians believe death is the beginning of life resurrected.

John 14: 1-3 reminds us of this. 

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house, there are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare 

 place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”

However, God’s ways are not our ways. Accepting why something that seems so unjust can happen isn’t easy. Regardless of faith, losing one’s life at age 44? That’s a raw deal.

“You don’t know why, and we aren’t going to learn why; you just need to have that trust that there is a reason,” Parham said. “There is a verse that talks about He has a reason for everything, so I try to keep that in mind.”

Proverbs 3:5

“Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding,”

Romans 8:28

“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Despite his loss, Aiden found more profound meaning in his other relationships, especially 

his teammates.

“A bunch of my friends, we started doing small groups (bible study), and I started to go to church on Wednesday nights,” he said. “I started reading the Bible more and growing my faith.”

Why we face trials and deal with tragedy and heartbreak are issues all people eventually face during their lives, regardless of faith. Seeking God’s will instead of our own and knowing the difference is hard to decipher.

“That’s something I struggle with, and I try to read and pray about it every night,” he said. 

Another major obstacle for Christians, especially younger ones, is accountability and understanding, through the Holy Spirit, how to keep their paths straight and who can guide them back when they wander.

“One of the players on our team (Sylvania football) started a Bible study each week where we hold each other accountable,” Parham said.

Aiden’s personal growth extends to the athletic field and how it impacts his senior season. 

“These past few years on varsity, we played for ourselves, but we also played for the seniors on the team; I hope everyone feels the same way I did and want us to have a great senior year,” he said.

None of us are guaranteed tomorrow. How much more effort would we give if we knew this was the last game? Aiden also knows his dad looks down on him and expects nothing less.

“Before last year’s games, I taped my wrist and wrote AO1 (audience of one), honoring my relationship with God, my dad, and who and why I play. I play to honor Him with the gifts He’s blessed me with,” he said.

The Rams open the season by hosting North Jackson on Aug. 23. DeKalb County is truly blessed to have players and young men like Aiden taking the field this fall on Friday nights. 

On a personal note, I lost my father on the same day, four years earlier than Aiden. I keep his phone number on my iPhone and think I can still call him and hear him laugh while talking about sports.

My heart and prayers go out to everyone who has lost a parent.