LIFE

Unspeakable tragedy can’t stop Grace

Amy Haneline
amy.haneline@indystar.com
Grace (right), smiles as she is introduced as a member of the Pacemates, during the final tryouts for the 2015-2016 Pacemates squad, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Thursday, July 30, 2015. The tryouts whittled 24 women down to a final group of 16.

Grace Buck is one brave woman. I’m also proud to call her my cousin — and now a Pacemate.

Last week, Grace’s mother, Jill, and younger brothers Branson and Aidan were killed in the tragic accident on I-65 near Lafayette. On Wednesday, Grace, 19, stood before more than 1,000 people to share memories of her mom and brothers at their celebration of life service. On Thursday, she managed to put on a smile to pursue her dream of becoming an Indiana Pacemate.

With her family in the audience, she took to the floor at Bankers Life Fieldhouse for a final audition.

And like her name, she did it all with grace.

As the older cousin, I have always tried to be a positive role model for Grace. Now she has become mine.

Michael Grady, host of a sports radio show on WFAN-AM (1070) and the emcee of the Pacemate auditions, described Grace on his show Friday morning. “Talk about strength. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen it in the flesh.”

That strength comes from her parents. “They have always encouraged us to finish whatever we start. Even if we get a couple weeks in and don’t like it, if we have made a commitment, we should finish,” she told me Friday.

That, paired with an unflappable faith in God and knowing her mom and brothers would want her to continue, Grace earned one of 16 spots on the squad. Now she hopes the Pacemates organization will give her a platform to help others.

Jill Buck with sons Branson and Aidan.

“I’ve only been without a mom for a week,” said Grace, who attends the University of Indianapolis. But she knows that some kids and young adults facing loss turn to drugs or alcohol abuse. She wants them to know there are better ways to overcome adversity.

“You can use your talents,” she said. “I have my meltdowns, and that’s OK. But there are so many other outlets to remain strong.”

She has inspired us. She owned that stage, and without fear, succeeded in the midst of tragedy.

We know that in heaven Jill was wooing, Aidan was beaming, and Branson, well, he was shaking his little booty. Grace says she probably even learned some of her moves from him.

Please continue to pray for Grace, her father Paul, sister Olivia and brother PJ and the rest of the Buck family. We have truly appreciated your support.

Follow Amy Haneline on Twitter and Instagram @amybhaneline, and Facebook. Call her at (317) 444-6281.