Overwhelming sadness combined with heartwarming admiration

That's what I was feeling tonight. It was an experience that I wish never to have had and at the same time one I will keep with me forever. Devon was Casey's friend, he was only seventeen years old and on Sunday night he lost his life.  It was a terrible accident, one that didn't have to happen. He was speeding and lost control and his car hit a tree. In an instant his life was gone and so many other lives will never be the same. We attended his wake tonight. It was heartbreaking and at the same time I was so impressed by the support shown by his fellow classmates. They lined up for several hours to let Devon's parents know how much they will miss him. At least 60% of the people there were teenagers and most of them came on their own.

Last night Casey got off work at 9:00 and wanted to go to WalMart. He wanted to buy tee shirts and transfer paper so that he could make shirts with a picture of Devon and the words You Will Be Missed. He wanted to do this because he needed to do something. Something to honor his friend. My heart was full of sadness and pride tonight as he and so many other young people came together with broken hearts to show their support to a hurting family. Such a grown up act. As much as it hurt to be there, I'm so glad I was able to witness this incredible display of love.

Devon, you will truly be missed.

Comments

[Melissa]

What a wonderful post. Thanks for sharing it with us. I don't have anything brilliant to say, but I feel touched.

[Mary]

What a heartbreaking story. I'm so sorry for the loss of your Casey's friend. It sounds like Devon's friends found a very touching way to memorialize him.

[Megan]

So heartbreaking. You can't convince them they're not immortal(not until they have the tragedy of witnessing it for themselves), even though you sometimes wish they were.

[rohanknitterr]

This is kinda weird in a very sad way - I spent tonight waiting in line for several hours at a 16 yr old's wake. Our friend's son was hit by a train while driving on Saturday and killed instantly. It's just so horrible. These same friends lost a baby to a rare heart defect almost 13 years ago and I can't believe they have to bury another child. It's so painful. I'm so glad your son was able to find something to do to help him with his grief. I saw lots of crying high school kids tonight.

[Pam]

I am so sorry.

[Gina]

It does good to do something and show your sadness. Helps with the healing. I lost a friend of mine in a car accident my senior year a couple days before christmas.

[lera]

What a sad story.

My sister was killed in a car accident a few years ago. She was very young, too. She left behind two young children.

I hope your son heals from this tragedy.

[erin]

I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy Autum. Thoughts coming your way and Casey's way, too, of course.

[Jessica]

Wow, Autumn...I am so sorry to hear this tragic news. I will be thinking of you, your son, your family & all those who are hurting over this loss.

[Patricia]

Such a tragedy. This week was the anniversary of our town losing 2 girls (and one father) in a plane crash over Coney Island, and another boy in a car crash. It's so very sad. My best to Casey and everyone mourning this terrible loss.

[cindy]

Oh my. I'm so sorry for the loss of your son's friend and for his family. I can't even imagine what they're going through. Everyone will be in my prayers!

[Lauren]

Wow. That is so sad and yet so touching. His poor family. I can't even imagine...

[Chara Michele]

So sorry to hear about this. I am sorry for your son's loss of a friend and for the family...

[Sarah]

:-( How horrible.

[Antonia]

Oh, I am so sorry, for your son, his friends, and that poor devastated family. What a wonderful gift the kids gave to the family.

[Thimbleanna]

We've shared your sad experience. Those high school lives are so fragile. Made all the sadder because of their youth and promise. So sorry for you and Casey....

[Happy Zombie]

My heart goes out to Devon's family and friends, everyone who's life has been touched by Devon. How beautiful for Casey to honor his friend and to Do Something.

I ache for Devon's parents. They are living every parent's worst nightmare. I ache for Casey, I ache for you and your family.

[Kristy]

That is such a sad story.But how beautiful that Devons mum knows how much her son was loved. xxx

[Dawn]

I am so very sorry for your loss. There is something so, so difficult about losing someone so young.

[capello]

i have no words...

[LeeAnn]

Such a tragedy. Something you hope to never experience, but sadly it happens. I am so sorry.

[daisies]

i am so sorry ~ tears spring to my eyes at this tragedy and at the beautiful spirit of those so young to have to face this ... xox

[ruthie]

so tragic. I'm very sorry
xox

[gillian]

God bless his poor family. I've been one of those family members before and my heart just breaks for them...

[kim in Camas - ScrapToMyLu]

I hate hearing these kind of stories. So tragic. I'm so sorry for you and his family.