Today is the anniversary of another sad event - the death of my nephew.
Dustin was only 21 years old when he was killed in a car accident on 9/12/2009 - just two short years ago. I won't talk about the accident other than to say it was totally unnecessary and preventable, which makes it even more difficult.
This is the first tragic death of a loved one in our family. Yes, others have passed away, but mostly due to illnesses or age, an expected outcome. But Dustin's death was different, so sudden, no chance to say goodbye or I love you.
It is still very easy tear up as we talk about Dustin or how the family is coping. I still have difficulty talking with my brother or sister-in law, his parents, without ending the conversation in tears. But we are all moving forward.
We have all dealt with his death in different ways. The younger generation finds comfort in talking to Dustin through his RIP Facebook page, which my brother watches religiously. Looking for signs that Dustin's friends aren't dealing with his death in a healthy manner, sometimes intervening by calling them and talking or inviting them over for dinner. Yes, the postings are much less frequent, but still heart felt.
My 17 year old son still carries a copy of Dustin's funeral program in his pocket, protected by a plastic sleeve and has a copy of the last picture of the two of them above his light switch, the last thing he sees at night and the first thing he sees in the morning.
My 14 year old takes comfort in watching the movie he made about Dustin and all the good times we had with him at Lake Norris.
My brother and sister-in-law started a new business venture to keep them busy, Cedar Springs Outdoor Wedding Pavilion. I'm proud to report that the business is a booming success. One of the major attractions is the 5 acre man made pond called "Dut's Pond" Dustin's nickname.
I guess I deal with Dustin's death by taking a few minutes to write about him and how much he meant to all of us.
Miss you Dusty.
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