It is with a very heavy heart that we write this entry. We hope it never happens, but sometimes it does. On Thursday August 14 mom Allen called to tell us that Nat's nephew, Dustin (23), was killed in an ATV accident. First came shock, and then increased grief as the reality of his death began to sink in. All the incidental details paled beside the fact that Dustin's young life was over. No warning--he was just gone from us. No parent expects to outlive his or her child, that's not the way life is supposed to work, but now it has happened and the family is left to support each other and grieve and miss him together. It's not about anyone's death making sense, sometimes it just doesn't, maybe it's about how we deal with the grief and sense of loss. This is the price we pay for loving someone. We are so sad that he has been taken from us.
It has been really difficult the past few days. Our hearts ache so deeply for Curt and Cathy. We also extend our sorrows to Lori and his siblings Cody, Megan and Jessica. As we have thought about Dustin we are truly grateful for his example. His example of forgiveness, understanding and courage. We are grateful for his love and excitement for life. Dustin spent far too many years away from our family, time that was lost and we can never get back. But when he was ready Dustin came to his dad, with great courage and a hope that all would and could be fine, and he was right. We opened our hearts and arms to him! We had waited so many years to have him back and part of our family and it was like he was never gone. He fit right in. He was such a great big brother to Jessica! He teased her non-stop and she loved it! We were simply amazed at how much he was like Curtis. Every mannerism he displayed was so much like Curt it was erie. He was such a tease and his sense of humor was so clever. His personality was infectious and will be greatly missed. One of the lessons from Dustin that we are grateful for is his love of life. He lived everyday to its fullest and it is our hope that all of us can live by his same example. The bottom line is that we have no idea when our time on earth will come to an end. Reconcile your differences, be kind to those around you and live everyday as if it were your last. Thanks for living every day Dustin, you will be greatly missed!
This picture is taken at the hospital after Ava was born, it was so great to have him there to share that great day with us.
4 comments:
What a beautiful tribute to Dusty. You have captured the most important lesson of his tragic death -- live every day. My heart goes out to you and your family.
I am so sorry for your whole family's loss. Death, even with an eternal perspective, is still very hard to deal with and accept.
I remember Dusty as a smiley, chubby faced kid all those years ago at USU.
God give you peace at this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your family's loss. We recently lost Phil's brother. It is a painful and they will alway be missed. My thoughts are with you. You are so right. Live every day!
Our hearts are with your family. I just want you to know we are so sorry for your loss. I am glad you were able to have him back in your life. Thanks for the glimpse into his life and personality.
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