Dad's Words For The Guy Who Killed His Son Will Hit You Hard
August 25, 2016

Simon Olsen (18) and his girlfriend, Hailie Leeann Godfrey (18), were driving home late one night when they were hit head-on by a Ford F-250 as it drifted over the center line. The driver walked away from the crash. But Simon and Hailie did not. So, Simon's heartbroken dad, Lane Olsen, turned to Facebook, writing a beautiful post about what he and his family were going through. In it, he had something extremely powerful to say to the driver of the Ford truck. And the grieving dad's words might just surprise you!
Read on to hear this grieving dad's words:
"Today has been the worst day of my life! No parent should have to bury their child.
As a family our hearts go out to Tanner Evans, who was the driver that killed my son Simon and his girlfriend Hailie.
Simon Olsen (left) and Hailie Leeann Godfrey (right) Credit: GoFundMeWhat is crazy about this accident is that we know their family very well, his father was my Assistant basketball coach for AAU, we coached together for 5 years and former bishop. Tanners older son played on the High School team with my son Chandler and they were best friends.
With Tanner coming home last week from his mission we can't imagine the guilt and pain he is feeling. We hold no hard feelings and we love that family!
[rsnippet id="3" name="Article-Ad"]
I spoke to his father Matt, and he says that he is devastated and their family is feeling the same pain and sadness.
I am so proud of my children. When my son Chandler Olsen found out who the driver was, he wanted to drive over and tell the family that we forgive them and have no hard feelings. My daughter Lexi Sparks posted on her FB wall to pray for him and his family. Gehrig Olsen is not angry either.
This is what Simon would of wanted, he loved everyone and would want everyone to be laughing and have no anger.
RELATED: NBA Assistant Coach, Monty Williams, Gives A Faith Filled Speech at his wife's funeral
I'm sure Simon would say "Guys relax I will you see all very soon, I'm skydiving in Heaven and practicing my basketball skills"
Im humbled by the power of forgiveness for this is the only way to heal and move forward.
Credit: Facebook / Lane OlsenWe used many of the organs in his body, which will affect 30 people. Simon would of liked knowing he helped others in need.
Please pray for all of us and especially the Evans family. This is not easy for any of us, but through God and faith we will get through this most trying time in our lives.
The outreach and love extended to our family has been overwhelming, we have had so many friends and family visit, call from all over the world and hundreds of texts and FB posts. We feel the power of your thoughts and prayers.
It is by this power that we are getting through this most challenging time. We appreciate those that have also donated in Simons behalf, your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Some people say that their is no God, others say we will not have an afterlife.
But I CHOOSE to BELIEVE, I CHOOSE to be HAPPY, I CHOOSE to live my life through my son. And I CHOOSE one day to embrace my son and cry tears of joy.
We love you all!"
As Christians, we talk about forgiveness a lot. Talking about it is one thing. Doing it is much, much harder. But this grieving dad's words are a testament to the power of forgiveness, as well as the power Christ has when we invite Him into our lives.
"If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you to some extent—not to put it too severely. The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him." 2 Corinthians 2:5-8
h/t: For Every Mom
Featured Image Credit: KSL News
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Man Meets The Drunk Driver Who Killed His Family
Today's Devotional
A Prayer to Spark God-Given Creativity - Your Daily Prayer - April 29
The next time you’re out of creative ideas, don’t settle for being stuck and frustrated. Don’t get discouraged, either. Instead, pray for help. Your Master Creator is ready to pour out a fresh batch of ideas. All you have to do is ask!
Today's Devotional
A Prayer to Spark God-Given Creativity - Your Daily Prayer - April 29
The next time you’re out of creative ideas, don’t settle for being stuck and frustrated. Don’t get discouraged, either. Instead, pray for help. Your Master Creator is ready to pour out a fresh batch of ideas. All you have to do is ask!
Past Stories
- These Women Are On a Mission to Help Seniors Feel Independent Again, One Boutique at a Time
- Couple Surprises Grandma and Other Guests at Engagement Party By Turning it Into Their Wedding
- Toddler Shows Act of Kindness to Stranger at McDonald's, 'He Loves Everyone'
- Entrepreneur With Down Syndrome Turns Passion for Grilling Into a Global Barbecue Sauce Brand
- Getting Ready for Her Before I've Met Her
- Blogger's Mother's Day Tribute To Those Struggling To Become A Mom
- Fellow Bus Drivers Jump Into Action to Save Co-Worker Having a Medical Emergency
- Hero Principal Named Prom King After Stopping a School Shooter
- Former Janitor Becomes a Doctor at the Same Hospital Where She Once Cleaned
- When a Church Leader Collapsed, This 9-Year-Old’s Brave Response Made All the Difference
- 84-Year-Old Hero Honored for Selfless Decision to Give a Kidney to His Son-in-Law
- Heartbroken Mom Honors Her Late Son’s Legacy by Dancing With the People He Helped Save
- Ball Brothers Music Video For 'Hey Mama' For Mother's Day
- Mother's Day Poem For Adopted Baby
- 18-Year-Old Wins the National Grocery Bagging Championship After Training For Months
- Courthouse Relies on a Four-Legged Staff Member for Support and It's the Biggest Blessing
- When I Loved Someone the Wrong Way
- Quick-Thinking Good Samaritans Rescue Three Teens From Flipped Car After They Were Run Off the Road
- After Tragic Bus Crash, Church Community Steps Up for Injured Student in a Big Way
- Senior is Able to Have An Early Graduation After Her Dad is Diagnosed With Pancreatic Cancer
- A Woman Ordered DoorDash, Then Stepped in to Help the 78-Year-Old Man Who Delivered It
- Woman Tells a Thief, 'God Loves You' and Stops Her From Stealing a Package
- Brave Teenager Saves Her 42-Year-Old Mother After Sudden Heart Attack
- This Hallmark Commercial for Mother's Day Sums Up Motherhood In 1 Tear-Jerking Video
- Our Fallen Heroes Are Honored With A Memorial Day Tribute Of 'Amazing Grace' On The Bagpipes
- Coffey Anderson's Patriotic Song 'Memorial Day' Pays Tribute to the Price Fallen Heroes Pay for Us
- Assistant Manager at a Grocery Store Stops a Scam and Saves a Couple From Losing a Lot of Money
- Family Honors Veteran’s Life of Hard Work by Donating His Liver at Age 100
- How I Saw God at the Masters 2026 Tournament
- Texas Family Overjoyed After Dog Who Was Missing For 2 Years Turns Up at New Jersey Mall
- Wife Uses a Phone App to Find Her Husband That Was Buried By An Avalanche
- Comedian Anita Renfro with 'The Mom Song' to the William Tell Overture Is a Mother's Day Classic
- 10 Christian Songs To Motivate Your Workout and Get You Moving This Spring
- Doctor Goes Beyond to Adopt Boy Who Arrived Alone for Surgery and Find Homes for His Siblings
- Simple Facebook Post Turns an Empty Birthday Party Into a Viral Celebration for a 9-Year-Old Girl
- Survivors of the New York Runway Accident Share Their Stories of Survival and Bravery
- Mom Is Overcome as Her Entire Family Signs Happy Birthday to Her Deaf Son
- Woman Dies a Hero After Shielding Grandson From Oncoming Car
- 9-Year-Old With a Big Heart Creates Autism Emergency Kits for First Responders
- Married Since 1951: Their 75-Year Secret to Lasting Love
- The Waiting Season Isn't Wasted
- After Losing His Girlfriend in a DUI Crash, Young Man Opens Coffee Shop to Honor Her Memory
- Boy Heartbroken Over Lost Pokémon Collection Gets 15,000 Cards From Airline Staff
- After Losing His 10-Year-Old Son to Cancer, Dad Runs 240 Miles to Give Back to Other Families
- Abandoned Airport Dog Finds Forever Home With the Officer Who Rescued Him
- After Calling 911 to Help Save Her Father’s Life, Young Girl is Being Honored By Her Community
Top Music Videos

Anne Wilson Anne Wilson Releases ‘Stars’ Music Video — An Uplifting and Encouraging Tune

Pat Barrett Pat Barrett Powerful 'Praise the Lord Forever’ Live Performance

Jeremy Rosado Jeremy Rosado Powerful ‘Keep Holding On’ Lyric Video

Alabama Live Performance of 'Because He Lives' by Alabama

Steven Curtis Chapman Cinderella - Steven Curtis Chapman (Official Music Video)
Blog
At GodTube, you’ll find daily inspirational videos to lift your spirits and encourage you in your walk with God. Popular videos include worship music from your favorite Christian artists, cute videos with adorable kids and animals, hilarious videos from Christian comedians, user-uploaded videos, and clean viral videos to brighten your day.









