It is hard to talk about resiliency, optimism and hope after attending a funeral of a 19 year old who died way too early and... What are the emotions that swirl around that? Heart break, grief for all those left here without him, frustrationfor the loss of a wonderful young soul who had already impacted so many in so many wonderful ways and a void... like there really is nothing to say that equals this tragedy. Words fall short. The true emotions are almost too huge to talk about. For those of us who did not know him personally, it just makes us terrified that, "There but for the grace of God goes I." Like, why that fabulous kid? Why that wonderful family? Why that moment on planet earth did that have to happen?
I did not grow up in a vacuum. There was plenty of drinking and drugs in my high school and city. I went to a number of funerals. But it just seems like we have an epidemic going on. My town cemetery seems to have way too many young people buried there before their time should have been up.
I wish I were writing with an answer. I wish I were writing because I had a cause and a cure that we could all rally around. But what I really wish is that I could bring this young man back and give the world another chance with him. We need him. I hear of the college presidents who want to lower the drinking age on one hand and on the other the call from psychologists for zero tolerance of any drugs and alcohol because of the tender, vulnerable brain of the adolescent... And the epidemic of premature deaths continues...
That leaves each parent and each home grappling in their own inept way- mostly making rules from the way they were raised, or the exact opposite of the way they were raised or by just plain old fear. None of the above are great strategies. It makes me feel we are playing the numbers game... maybe it is all up to chance?
Enough said. Too many words and not enough that speaks to the unspeakable.
Sending out hope that those who lost such a wonderful child, brother, nephew and friend... can join us all again in life and live on carrying that beautiful, young hopeful face in their hearts.
Anne
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