Dylan

I received a text an hour or so ago from a very good friend. She was asking for prayer for friends. They lost their 18 year old son today in a motorcross accident. Everyone is in shock.

I’ve known Dylan for 8-10 years. I’m not a close friend of the family, however, we attended the same church for several years. I did know Dylan and his older brother Matthew. I got to know them both on a mission trip to New Orleans about five years ago. I was a chaperone as this group of youth went to gut houses one year after Hurricane Katrina. He was a special young man.

There are no words to say really. It just seems unnatural to return to the mundane things of the day after hearing such tragic news that will forever alter the lives of many. And so I write.

This all takes me back to 31 years ago when my 18 year old brother was suddenly taken from this world in a car accident, from those of us who loved him deeply. Life changed for us all that day.

The shock and denial that took place during the first hours, days, weeks, months, and even years is as memorable to me as yesterday’s events. I will never forget. I will never stop loving and missing my little brother.

This brings me back to the suffering of Dylan’s family. Although they have the assurance that he is in a far better place than we because of Dylan’s faith, the many layers of grief and pain they will feel isn’t diminished one iota. It stays to stake it’s claim.

To end this post I just want to take a few minutes to relate what I remember most about Dylan. His smile was amazing. It lit up a room. He was a talented young man with a promising future. He was caring and giving and thoughtful. He was respectful, and went out of his way to say a few words to me every time we saw each other. Although I didn’t know Dylan well, I knew he loved motorcross. It was a hobby he shared with his family and friends. He will be missed by many.

Until we meet again, Dylan…