Behind the Lens: The Bigger Story, What You Don't See on TV

In my 26 months of being in the TV broadcast business, there have been many memorable stories. It wouldn't be right for me to try and rank my favorite or best stories I've done, rather, I want to share one of my most recent memorable ones.

I've called this blog, "Behind the Lens: The Bigger Story, What You Don't See on TV." The reason I think is sometimes people don't understand the moments and relationships journalists make and go through daily. I also think you might find it interesting to hear about the amazing family I just met in July.

#LuftTuff

I covered a follow up story to a tragic ATV accident in Charles City, IA. I heard about the story the day after the accident and I went out on a limb and messaged the mother of the 15-year-old victim on Facebook. She was quick to get back to me and later agreed to do an interview the day before they said goodbye to their son and brother, Logan Luft.

I am a man of faith. I believe that God brought the Luft family and I together. The amount of strength, courage, and faith knowing that someday they would see Logan again was amazing. This strengthened my own faith and I am forever grateful.

Look at that smile. On July 4, 2017 Logan Luft was involved in a bad ATV wreck. His father, Lenny, a Charles City Police officer, was on the other end of a call. This time, the emergency call was for his first born child seriously hurt.

The Luft family said their goodbyes three days later at Mayo Clinic Hospital - Saint Marys Campus. Logan was an organ donor and saved at least five lives, one of them a 7-year-old little girl who needed a new heart. His mother, Wendy, sent me this chilling video as they walked Logan off to surgery playing his favorite Johnny Cash song, "God's Gonna Cut You Down," one last time.

My heart sank after watching this video. I couldn't help but tear up. It was such a powerful video. I felt almost like I was invading their privacy in a way. After the fact, I realized they trusted me in telling Logan's story.

A week later, it was time to say one final goodbye (for now) to Logan. His celebration of life was surrounded by a gracious and loving Charles City community. As you see in the picture above, his family and friends were surrounded by local law enforcement as they carried his casket to the hearse.

Right after, Wendy and her family walked to their car and I had the chance to talk to her and give her a hug. I can't help but get teary eyed talking about our moment together, it was a moment that will forever stick with me.

I never met Logan, but after talking with his family and hearing stories about the young man, I felt like he had a special place in my life.

Sometimes, I have to remind myself what my job allows me to do. I respect my fellow journalists and the job we have at hand. It's an important job, one that is stressful but also so rewarding.

Logan's story is one of many stories that will always have a special place in my heart.

What people don't see on TV is the impact stories like Logan's have on my life.