FARGO — The Youngs family have had life moments and missed milestones packed into this tumultuous week. Their celebrations for children leaving the nest turned into feels of grief and loss during this week of upheaval.
Vic Youngs' front yard in south Fargo says it all. It has been one heck of a week for the tennis coach and Fargo South High School teacher.
"(You) roll your eyes as this kept going on and on," Youngs said.
The Youngs children have missed a lot of milestones due to the pandemic.
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His son Geoffrey, a graduating senior in high school, had is baseball season canceled.
Vic's other son, David, graduated from Concordia College this year, but had no commencement ceremony. Vic's daughter, Julia, was attending college as well.
Amid the missed memories, the family found a bright spot in Vic's retirement celebration.
There was a big drive-by party to honor Vic for his retirement. They thanked him for his three decades of coaching and teaching, and the event went off without a hitch.
Even in the lighter moments, however, the Youngs family faced loss.
Just before the parade started, Vic's beloved mother, Helen, passed away from COVID-19. On top of that, because of the pandemic, a public memorial for Helen will be have to be held at a later date.
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WDAY interviewed Helen after she was evacuated from a burning Elim Rehab & Care Center to Eventide Senior Living Community January 23.
"(She was) just a wonderful, wonderful woman," Youngs said. "She might be the kindest person I ever met in my life. (It's been) a bundle of emotions in this last week,"
