Goodbye's

This weekend we drove to Utah to say goodbye to Mark's 17 yr. old nephew, Dylan. He passed away unexpectedly Wednesday morning. I don't really know what to say. What do I want to remember about Dylan? I don't think I knew him very well at all. In fact, I probably know him better now, because of his funeral, then I ever have. And for that I am sorry.  I do know, however, that I am grateful for family. I know that God gave us families to show His love for us. I am grateful that He shows His love for me by allowing me to be a part of the Thomas family. I have learned so much about love, acceptance, patience, and forgiveness from watching their examples. Dylan's funeral was very unique. One of his close friends coined it as a "smaller scaled Woodstock."   Which is exactly how Dylan would have wanted it. He was all things hippie. He was an excellent artist, a free spirit with so much talent. He loved music. I will always think of Dylan when I hear "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd, "Let It Be" by the Beatles and "Fire and Rain" by James Taylor. I can't explain the love that I felt as we came together to support each other, celebrate Dylan's life, mourn his passing, and ultimately rejoice in our Savior Jesus Christ. I know that we will see Dylan again. My favorite memory of Dylan is from last summer. We stopped in Payson before moving to Glendale and one evening Mark, and Joel, and Dylan got together to do some jamm'n in Dylan's room. Dylan on the drums, Mark and Joel on guitars - just having fun. I remember sitting on Dylan's bed, enjoying the scene in front of me. Thank goodness for families, for love, and for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We love you Dylan. Can't wait to see you again.