10 Years Later

Ten years ago someone very close to me went to be with the Lord. Joe was a young man who loved God, people, and life. He was so vibrant, joyful, and kind. He was the kind of person everyone wanted to be and be around. In the short time that he was a part of my life, he made a huge impact. When he died it ripped my world apart. Why would God let a 19 year old die in a car accident? How could he have fallen asleep so close to home? Suddenly nothing made sense.

Ten years later, I (almost) understand. I look around and see the people whose lives he changed, and I begin to see reason. His impact on my life is obvious. As a deaf person himself, he was the first to introduce me to sign language and deaf culture. Now I spend my days working with deaf children. It's something I never could have imagined ten years ago. But his influence on my life doesn't end there. His life (and death) have truly made me who I am today.

I've stopped asking why it had to happen, because I look around and know. I've stopped wondering how things would be different if he were alive, and I know I wouldn't be the person I am today.

I often say that my goal in life is to impact one person. I don't know if that was Joe's goal, but if it was he was successful.

Though a few weeks ago marked 10 years since his death, there is never a time when he is far from my thoughts. I wrote this poem in rememberance of his life and the impact it had on mine.

10 Years Later:
I remember... ...And you live on

I remember
A Saturday
Homework on a bus
Someone asks me for paper
It was you
And you live on

I remember
A new friend
Writing me notes
And teaching me sign language
It was you
And you live on

I remember
Sunday afternoons
Picnics in my backyard
Riding in your truck
Your friendship
And you live on

I remember
A youth trip
Rollercoaster rides
Enjoying a lazer show
Your laughter
And you live on

I remember
A parking lot
Walking to my car
Someone calls my name
It was you
And you live on

I remember
A Wednesday night
A revival service
A seemingly ordinary goodbye
Your (long) hug
And you live on

I remember
A Thursday night
News that changes my life
Praying I have misunderstood
My tears flow
And you live on

I remember
Many Years
Aware that you are gone
Knowing someone in heaven is watching
It is you
And you live on

I remember
My journey
A path with twists and turns
Someone who touched my life
It was you
And you live on

I am who I am
Because of you
And you live on

I thank you
For changing my life
And you live on

I don't ask why
I don't say goodbye

I remember
And you live on

I remember
And you live on