As tragedy strikes a small town, some point fingers and some complain that the situation isn't being handled the right way but for my home town, it is different. I am lucky enough to come from a town that decides to come together to tackle the problem and lean on each other for guidance and support. As another of our own has entered the presence of the Lord, I can't help but feel grateful that our small town is supporting each other as we had to say goodbye to a loving friend, father, cousin, and son. The Lord has bigger and better plans for you, Chris. Thank you for showing us all that we can get through this, because that is what you would want all of us to do. We are all leaning on each other, and trying to get through this together.

The past week has been full of emotions and heartache. As I reflect on how such a great individual was taken way to soon, I was able to realize that our town isn't as bad as some make it out to be. SO many people in my home town came to pay their respects, to mourn, to gather, and to celebrate such a loving soul. Not many people realize how important they are, and how many lives they really touch. This week proved that although this world can be filled with evil and hardships, our small town has an immense amount of caring people and we all gathered together to show Chris that he had such a huge impact on everyone that he came across. He set light into many peoples lives, and that light will continue to shine bright.

Losing a loved one is never easy, and is always filled with emotions that cannot be explained. As I watched people overflow the funeral home, I couldn't help but feel lucky enough to be surrounded with such caring individuals. In such a devastating time, our town was able to put aside all differences in order to reminisce, cry, laugh, and cherish all the moments we were able to have with such an extraordinary person. Life isn't going to be easy without you Chris, and I'm sure that you will never be forgotten and your life legacy will remain through the actions of others. Please continue to watch over us all, as I know you will.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.