A Tragic, Tragic Loss

Most of you know by now that I lost my cousin Dillon last weekend to what is looking like an accidental drug overdose. Dillon was only 15 years old. Of course nobody ever expects this and I'm going thru a myriad of emotions from denial, to anger, to questioning why this had to happen. You always seem to know someone who had this happen, but you never expect it to be your own family. Dillon had lots of friends as evident by the enormous turnout at both the visitation and the funeral. My only hope and prayer is that these kids take this message to heart that drugs, alcohol, etc, are not something to mess around with, but it's hard to know where to draw the line. Sure we all know people that drank or smoked in high school, and I'll even admit that I did it on occasion. (Sorry Mom and Dad) I just don't know what has changed in the past 11 years since I was a H.S. student that kids have started breaking into their parents or grandparents medicine cabinets to get high off of Rx drugs. If nothing else, my job as a parent of 3 kids just got incredibly harder and about 10x scarier. I want nothing more than for my kids to be safe and happy in life. My Aunt read a poem at the funeral that was a very strong reminder that children are a very special gift from God, but that in the end they are God's children, and that He can call them home at a moments notice.

God's Lent Child

I'll lend you for a little while, a child of mine, God said

for you to love while they live, and mourn for when they're dead.

It may be six or seven years, or forty two or three

but will you til I call them back, take care of them for me?

They'll bring their charms to gladden you, and should their stay be brief...

You'll have their lovely memories as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise they will stay, since all from earth return,

but there are lessons taught below I want this child to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in my search for teachers true,

and from the things that crowd life's lane, I have chosen YOU!!!

Now will you give them all your love? Nor think the labor vain?

Nor hate me when I come to take this LENT CHILD back again?

I fancied that I heard them say, Dear Lord Thy will be done

For all the joy that child will bring, the risk of grief will run.

We'll shelter them with tenderness, we'll love them while we may

And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.

But should thy Angel call for them, much sooner then we planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand....

I miss you Dillon, and you'll always hold a special place in my heart. I know that you're watching over us from Heaven and I look towards the day when we can meet again in God's heavenly kingdom. To Madison, Kaiden, and Kealy, I love you so very, very much and I hope and pray that you know that with all of your heart, and I thank God for the many, many blessings he has bestowed upon this family with the three of you.