The day after Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher played one of the best games of his career his mother Lavoyda Lenard passed away suddenly in her home in Texas. While Urlacher has faced and conquered many difficult opponents on the field, this has to be one of the most toughest challenges he's ever had to face off of it.

There are several stages of adulthood that one can go through in life. The first time we leave our parents' home, graduating from college, living on our own for the first time, beginning our careers, marriage, and parenthood. One of the last most significant stages of adulthood for most of us is the loss of our parents. No matter what age you are when it occurs, you change forever once your parents are no longer living.

For Brian Urlacher, that life-changing event began on Monday and he'll never be the same again. He will never forget the moment he found out nor will he soon forget the days that follow. Fortunately for Brian, he has countless fond memories of his very loving mother. This is something we take for granted as not all of us have the great fortune to have wonderful mothers. It's just the world we live in.

While I am most fortunate to still have my precious mother, whom I called on Tuesday to express my love for her, I do have close family and friends whom have already had to cross that bridge. One common thread among all who have to deal with that or any significant loss is how therapeutic the distractions of the workplace can be. Whether you're a blue collar worker, a white collar professional, an artist, or a professional athlete the workplace can be a place of solace and a much needed break from the mental and emotional stress of dealing with such a loss.

As I mentioned the moment I found out about Urlacher leaving the team from a fan who was watching my live show and read Sean Jensen's twitter, I believed then that Urlacher would still play on Sunday regardless of the situation. Now that we all know why Urlacher had left Chicago on Tuesday, my belief is actually strengthened that he will need to take the field for his own healing, not because the Bears need him on Sunday versus the Saints. Urlacher needs this game even more than the Bears need him to play in it.

This morning I was able to confirm through multiple sources, including the funeral home where Lavoyda Lenard's services will be held, that her funeral will be on Saturday. The time is yet to be confirmed as the family is meeting with the funeral director today to finalize the details. For what it's worth, I thanked the funeral director on behalf of Chicago Bears fans everywhere for taking care of Brian and his family during this very difficult time.

As Brad Biggs mentioned in his interview on the Mully & Hanley show this morning, “Brian definitely intends and plans to play in the game Sunday.” Urlacher is expected to fly out on Saturday after the services to join his team and play on Sunday versus the Saints. I can't imagine what that plane ride will be like for even the extremely tough middle linebacker.

Usually when athletes play after such tragic losses, they end up playing the game of their lives as they are extremely focused and in the zone for therapeutic reasons. Not only the athlete, but also their teammates end up taking their game to another level, usually dedicating their performance to their grieving teammate. This game versus the Saints will be more than just another football game for Brian Urlacher and his Chicago Bears teammates.

Regardless of the outcome, I will be very thankful and somewhat emotional to see Urlacher play this Sunday. Not because the Bears need him versus Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, which obviously the do, but because I will be watching Brian Urlacher begin to heal while dealing with one of the most difficult challenges he's ever had to face in his adult life.

My thoughts and condolences go out to the Urlacher and Lenard families. May she rest in peace and may her memory live on forever in the minds and hearts of her family and friends.