By Greg Taylor
Contributing columnist

As I sit here at my desk writing this column, I am in utter disbelief at the events that have unfolded. This is the type of column that I hoped never to write. The young are supposed to grow up, live a long, healthy and prosperous life. Not have it snatched away in an instant through some senseless act of violence.

But that is where we find ourselves today, mourning the loss of a son, brother, grandson, friend and teammate in Tahliek Jamar Taliaferro.

I got to know Tahliek through covering the football team and my first conversation with him was a memorable one. Powhatan had just won a shootout at Prince Edward in 2006 with Taron Hampton scoring five touchdowns and Tahliek having a big game on defense. Though he was only a sophomore, he started and played middle linebacker for most of the season after being called up from jayvee to play Monticello.

After the game, I corralled him to ask some questions. My first impression of this talented kid was that he had a bright future on the field. Although he was very shy and unassuming in the interview, saying probably no more than 10 words, I thanked him for the time and told him that with his ability he would be answering a lot of questions from the media in the future.

Fast forwarding to 2007, Tahliek took on a larger role on defense and really blossomed as a player, garnering First Team linebacker honors for the Southside District, Region I and All-State. He was also named Southside District Defensive Player of the Year, an honor he truly appreciated.

You could argue that without Tahliek, Powhatan would not have won its third consecutive Region I title. If he had not laid a hard hit on Lafayette’s Garrett Piggott, forcing a fumble which he recovered, Powhatan might not have gotten the ball back and there may never have been the Shawn Minor to Emmett Brown touchdown for the 13-12 win.

But that was Tahliek on the football field, the fierce warrior, the player with the instinct to be at the right place at the right time, the one to make the play that would help his team win.

The more I got to know him, the more his personality came out. He was passionate about football and his teammates but he always wanted to do better, to succeed on and off the field. He also had an infectious smile and a persona that drew many a person to him, as he was a very likeable fellow.

But those are now only my memories, as I, and others, will not have a chance to see what type of man he would have become.

As a father, I cannot fathom what his parents are going through over the loss of their child. It is something that no parent should ever have to face. My heart and prayers go out to Tahliek’s family and friends, especially Lawrence Harris, Kwamaine Marshall, TL Williams, Kendall Trainum and Courtney Jones, that they will find strength in the days ahead and peace over time with his passing.

A question I have asked myself is what is the reason for his death and what does it all mean to us. I don’t know the answers for his family and friends but the incident has taught me that life is fleeting and we need to live each day to the fullest, cherishing the time we have with our friends and loved ones.

About the shooting, I will only say that the individuals who perpetrated this crime not only have serious character flaws but appear to lack the ability to rationally solve their problems in a nonviolent manner. I am all for the Second Amendment but why does someone who is not part of the military or law enforcement need to have an assault rifle at all, let alone carry it with them in a car? I cannot think of any good reason why.

When watching the nightly news, the movies, playing video games or surfing the web, for many, American reality includes an acceptance of violence along with desensitization for its true consequences. We, as a community, have united as one over this senseless killing but we also need to remind ourselves and our children that there is always a better way to solve problems than violence.

Hopefully, this tragedy will remind us how precious life is. The individuals involved have turned themselves in voluntarily and justice can now take its due course. Life will go on for all of us, training camp will start, school will begin and our lives will return to a semblance of normalcy, but nothing can fill the void left by Tahliek’s death. Only time can heal those wounds.

Number 17, you have now entered your earthly resting place and we will miss you but you will not be forgotten. We have said our goodbyes and hope to see you once again in the future.

Let your smile shine down on us from heaven as you play with the angels.

May you rest in peace.