One-on-One

Troy and Deedra Russell have lost their son Austen in a tragic accident involving Troy’s truck. The Russells try to face their grief and find peace, but Troy really struggles to return to his daily routine. His basketball buddy, John Manning, sees the community rally around the Russell family and wonders how he can help. Realizing that Troy has stopped attending their weekly basketball games, John calls and texts Troy every day until he promises to go with him to play basketball.

John shows up at 5:15 a.m., warning that if Troy’s not on the curb by then, he’ll go in the house and wake him up. As they travel to and from their games, Troy opens up about his heartache, despair, and grief. John discovers that what Troy needs is a good friend who shows up and listens. Through John’s ministering, Troy feels the Savior ease his burden of grief.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

[KarinaHaymore]

I used to babysit Austen and some other kids in his neighborhood when I lived in Henderson. You know when you meet a person, and you can just tell they’re special? Austen was that way. Always smiling, always reaching out to the little guy and always with a basketball in his cute little hands. You’d just see his little blond curls and big blue eyes and you couldn’t help but love him. I distinctly remember thinking that i was excited to see what kind of young man he grew up to be. I couldn’t help but cry watching this video. I can’t imagine what it would be like to lose a child or a sibling. But I do know that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God and that Austen’s life was a mission it itself in bringing others closer to Christ. Not only did it unite an entire neighborhood in ministering, love and charity but it’s inspiring people everywhere to do the same. I miss his cute sweet little smile and face, but I know he is happy in heaven and that he will be reunited with his family again someday. That is what is so beautiful about the gospel when we partake of it. Temples make Families eternal and we can all be together again one day. That doesn’t make life easy, but it does give it meaning and that is something we all need. 💙

[thejurassicchicken]

People that dislike these videos, just because they are atheists, is sad. This man lost his son. Don’t dislike this just because it isn’t what you believe in, ok? Love you guys.

[chaseallen]

I see so many of these touching videos and I always see dislikes on them, and I keep thinking who really hates ending bullying messages of hope and helping cope with loss?

[annaglenn]

Women have a lot of emotional support, but men don't. It is beautiful to see these men rallying around their grieving friend and supporting him.

[ColemanOutdoors]

WHY in the heck do I keep watching these at work?!?! No less than 3 times was I caught wiping my eyes. Alergy season is starting strong this season!!!😋

[phillipcook]

The part where John talked about the answer to his prayer was extremely profound and deeply moved my heart.

I believe President Nelson captured the answer to John’s prayer years ago when he said, “Moreover, we can’t fully appreciate joyful reunions later without tearful separations now. The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life.”

[anthonygoodall]

What a tragedy!!! What a victory!!! Well done, John! Well done, Troy and Deedra!!! I love the three of you and Austen and don't even know you.

[WhatsInside]

I’m both so happy I was able to watch this, and heartbroken that this happened. Thank you for sharing your story with all of us.

[brucebevin]

A very inspiring video showing devotion to a friend

[kevincroft]

I really love it. It makes me sad for Troy and Deedra.

[mavvgame]

I miss my son to.. 💗 😭😭 peace... Love.

[teti_]

I can only imagine the amazing missionary Elder Autsten Russell is on the other side. Called to serve in paradise. :) God bless you Russell family!

[boliviaable]

Love this church and the spirit I feel watching this video!

[paulleyva]

Congratulations to the cinematographers and editors who were able to show this beautiful story in such a powerful way.

[jacksonshubin]

This is beautiful. So grateful the church made this story public.

[angenicopalomo]

I know exactly how he feels of losing a son and it’s not that easy. Rest in peace my son, Nyll Nico. Daddy always loves you.

[MrLocke-bkom]

"I can take away the pain, but I would have to take away the 9 years you had with your son. Or, you can keep those 9 years you had with your son, and endure the pain of losing him." This caused me to weep because I understood what "taste the bitter that we may prize the good" in simple terms means. God bless you and your family and friends in your loss, and thank you for sharing your story.

[davidashton]

Thank you for sharing this story with me, a father who knows.

[calmeblondy]

We will meet again, God Bless you all

[Profumoditoti]

This is what ministering is. This is what mourning with those who mourn is. This is what being a member of the church is all about. Everything else, are appendages to it. Thank you for sharing the story of true friendship.