Jae Crowder is still coping with the recent death of his mother, and the Utah Jazz swingman recently penned a letter to her. Crowder wrote the letter to help process his own grief, but he also wrote the letter to help others going through hard times:

The message from Crowder is an emotional read. It's clear that he has spent his life trying to make his parents proud. It's something that many can relate to. Here's one excerpt of Crowder's letter via Eric Woodyard of the Deseret News:

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“I know, 100 percent, in my heart that you would want me to be doing this, playing basketball, and you would be supporting me. So, for the rest of my career, I definitely play for you.

“I can still hear your voice, telling me, ‘Son, just play hard and have fun with it.’ That’s why each time I enter a game, I honor the Lord first then you of course with a bump on my chest then a glimpse to the sky.

“I honor you and speak to you, every time I touch the floor. I just want to make you proud and make sure I play hard, whether the game is going good or bad. Sometimes I envision you at the Utah Jazz games all dressed up. You would be so into it.”

It's always tough to watch someone struggle through a loss, but it's uplifting to see Jae Crowder use his pain to help others.