Unexpected Memories

(If you want to understand this post, you might want to read this first.)

Sometimes I think it’s funny how memories work.

You are going about your normal habits, routines, and daily rituals…and suddenly, when you least expect it, something reminds you of a moment in your past.

I’m not really a date person. It’s not that I can’t remember, I could tell you the date I had my first eye surgery (January 16, 1991), the date I graduated from high school (June 16, 2000), the date I started my first teaching job (January 5, 2004), or any other mildly important date in my life. But the thing is dates aren’t really that important to me. I rarely even celebrate my birthday!

The anniversary of Joe’s death came and went without much consideration on my part. Sure I mentioned to Jes that it was a bit odd being at “home” and at a high school football game on that day, but it was a passing comment and didn’t occupy my thoughts much longer than the amount of time it took for the words to come out of my mouth.

But then, I saw my former youth pastor’s Facebook status. He mentioned that a group of youth from his church were going to Scaremare tonight. And the memories washed over me like a wave.

Thirteen years ago, I was on a crowded bus full of teenagers. Our youth group was traveling two hours west of our hometown to go to Scaremare (a haunted warehouse put on by Liberty University students). Most of the students were playing games, talking, and laughing and enjoying this weekend excursion…but I was doing homework. (Yep, I’ve always been a nerd.)

But then I felt a tap on my shoulder. When I turned around, a guy I’d never met before gestured to ask me for a piece of paper and a pencil. Of course I had extras, so I handed them on over and went back to my work without thinking much of it.

A few minutes later, I had stopped my homework to have a written conversation with this young man, who introduced himself as “Joe”.

At the time I had no idea how much that night would change my life.

I didn’t know that he would teach me to sign. I didn’t know that he would teach me about faith, passion, and joy. I didn’t know that he would become one of the most important people in my life. And I certainly didn’t know that he would leave my life as quickly and unexpectedly as when he had entered.

I didn’t know I would one day go to Liberty University. I didn’t know that I would give up the plans I had for my life to follow God’s. I didn’t know I’d be a deaf educator.

I didn’t know that Joe would change my life forever.

When I look back, I know that everything happens for a reason. And though I know we all miss him, I wouldn’t change a thing. In the short time that Joe was a part of my life, he impacted me in a way I can’t describe. He changed me for the better and I am forever grateful for the way he touched my life. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for him.

And I’m thankful for the memories that come when I least expect them.