I had the privilege if watching my oldest nephew graduate from high school this past weekend. I remember spending two weeks with my sister after Stephen was born in 1993 helping her care for this fussy, crying newborn, when he cried he turned purple and pulled on his ears. Many said he looked like me as a baby. Maybe then, but he is very handsome now. He never slept (I can relate) and never nursed well. He was proud as a peacock being the ring bearer in my wedding. The pics are SO cute! After many years of homeschooling, he went off to high school. He is intelligent, well-read, open-minded and compassionate. What more can I ask for? Grace adores him. He spends time with her, the greatest gift you can give her.
But in the midst of the joy of commencement is sadness. His best friend was fatally injured on Friday night while trying to scale the side of the school building. They are all good kids. They were excited about graduation, heading to college. He just wanted to show off for his friends. He fell three stories when he lost his footing, resulting in a severe brain injury. After more than 24 hours of no brain activity, his family made the excruciating decision to take him off life support. Three of his best friends, Stephen included, made their way into the hospital room to say their goodbyes. All on the biggest day of their lives. From all accounts, he was a good, no great, kid. An inspiration to others, compassionate, loving and intelligent. He won a full scholarship to Harvard. There is no sense to be made from this tragedy. An 18 year old taken too soon, before he reached his potential.
But somethng strikes me as I recall the words of the speech he was to give at commencement. Perhaps his purpose for being on this earth was to inspire others to take what they have learned and go change the world for the good. Live by his example. We all have the seeds, now go plant them.
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