Austin

Austin and David at a family reunion.

Last night a friend of mine experienced the sudden unexpected death of his best friend. As I thought about my friend and the hurt he must be feeling, it took me back to the those I experienced when my cousin, Austin, died four years ago. He was only 22. It was a car accident. On my birthday. News of his death and subsequent feelings were some of the most painful I have experienced.

Austin was one of those people you wanted to be around you through the good times and the hard. He loved his family and he was kind to all. Younger kids looked up to him as a role model and buddy; older ones as a friend and a partner in crime. He was one of the funniest people I knew and always into something new. We were all lucky to have him in our life for a time.

The only thing that took some of the sting away from that painful time was knowing that we would see Austin again some day. I am grateful for the plan of salvation and the knowledge that when we die we will be reunited with our friends and family, that have passed before us, in heaven. Miss you Austin.