of My Son
The Symbol Of Grief
March 11, 1988
- August 23, 2005
His grandpa and he were fast friends - dubbed "Just-a-brat" at birth he learned most of life's valuable lessons at my father's side. Daddy always said what a bright spot he had become in our lives. If any of you knew Justin very well I'm sure you encountered his infectious enthusiasm, unique sense of humor
and gentle, sweet heart many times. His smile could disarm just about anyone - and, his laughter (that sweet, sweet music) could fill even the darkest moments with great light.
He loved music, skateboarding, video games, all kinds of movies, golfing with Grandpa and lying in bed with Grandma watching T. V. He worked hard when the task required it and once reassembled a non-working lawn mower engine and had it running a few hours later.
When we came to Chisholm Trail (our church), he began to thrive in youth group. By January 7, 2001, he was ready to accept Christ as his Savior. His usual M. O. was to slip into the bathroom during invitation so when I missed him - I was pretty upset, that is until I saw him hobbling up the aisle on his crutches to answer the Lord's invitation.
As a youngster, he adored his sisters - carting Taylor around like a baby doll and teaching Brittany every bad habit he had. He had an ornery streak a mile wide and in the 4th grade he had been suspended from riding the bus to school - this was not the first time. Justin along with his friend, Gaylen, got to walk to school.
They took the time to call 9-1-1 and pretend to be machine guns going off until the police showed up. Thus began Justin's colorful history with living beyond the boundaries he knew were right. But his generosity, his love of life and his sensitive heart always seemed to balance it out.
This last year Justin lost a very dear friend. Her name was June Almonrode. When June died, Justin was broken hearted and the year that followed has been a difficult one. Most of you knew what Justin was going through, but these last few weeks we've had so much hope. The weekend before his accident, he had
applied for a job... after his accident, we learned he got it! The Monday we (most of us) all met at the hospital he was supposed to begin his GED classes. He had come to this decision on his own a few weeks before telling me, I can't play forever, Mom.
The last time I saw Justin before his accident, he said, I love you, Mom, have a good day at work.
Since Tuesday, my family and I have recalled and treasured the
wonderful ways Justin had that made him unique and special in
every way. I can list three:
1. His contagious laughter.
2. His witty sense of humor.
3. His desire to be a better man.
Today, he is a better man without all the troubles and pains he had carried for the last 17 years.
I speak for everyone I know when I say we love Justin and we will never forget, not ever.
I believe Justin would want you to know he is having the time of his life skateboarding with Jesus in heaven.
Thank you all for your expressions of concern, love and support. Words cannot express and you will never know exactly what they have meant to us.
I love you, Justin
