The circular medallion around Jamarie Ballard’s neck would typically symbolize wholeness, inset with a small family photo.
Instead, it’s a reminder to him of what’s missing from his life.
For the past seven years, Ballard, now a Tyner Academy senior and the starting quarterback for the Rams, has had only photos and childhood memories to hold onto of the mother who was taken from him and his three sisters.
Adorned with wings and small diamonds around the photo of his mother and three younger sisters, the necklace is just one way Ballard is reminded of how he carries himself off the football field, and what he plays for on it.
“I think about my mom all the time, but especially before every game I take a moment to kneel down and talk to her because I know she’s watching,” Ballard said. “I’ve played football since I was 5 years old. I used to wake up early on Saturdays and couldn’t wait to get to the field.