Remembering Dillon

Tomorrow, June 10th, would have been my cousin Dillon's 16th birthday. Ironically, he was laid to rest on that very same date four months ago from an accidental drug overdose. I will never forget the call I received that Saturday from my Dad stating Dillon had passed away. I couldn't seem to wrap my head around the possibility, and still can't. At the time Kealy was one week and one day old. It was a very joyous time in my life and I hate the fact that part of that was taken away by Dillon's death. I don't understand why this had to happen to our family. Why Dillon? Not that I wish this upon someone else, it's just that my uncle has already been thru a lot in his life, and he has the biggest heart of anyone that I know; and it breaks my heart to know that his heart is breaking.

This whole experience has been an eye opener to say the least. Because of Dillon I hug my kids a little longer, and my house is a little dirtier because I'm trying to spend more time with them. I don't ever want to look back and think, "gosh, I wish I would've spent more time with them doing this....." Because of Dillon my job as a parent got harder and scarier. I can't imagine the devastation of losing a child. I'm trying really hard not to dwell on the things that Dillon never got to experience, but instead, trying to focus on the joys he did have in his lifetime.

Tonight, after dinner, I took Barkley for a walk. Dillon has been on my mind a lot lately, especially with his birthday coming up. I think of him every time a teenager drives by. On this cool summer night I looked up into the sky and saw an airplane, which makes me think of my Grandpa who is also in Heaven. I looked to my right and saw another one. By now the tears are beginning to flow, but I know that Grandpa is watching over Dillon and will celebrate his birthday with him tomorrow.

Please, please pray for Dillon and our family. Watch over your children. Talk to them. Protect them as best you can. Hold them tight. Tell them you love them. And just know, that at the end of the day you did the best you could. I miss you so very much Dillon, and I just hope and pray that kids and parents alike have learned from your tragic untimely death. I love you.