A Celebration of Life

It hasn't been four months since that dreadful day in March when our world was shaken by a senseless act of violence. The day that Justin was shot and killed has gone down as the saddest, most difficult day in our ten years of marriage.

Every day is marked by a reminder about the tragic loss of Justin's life. I wish I could say that with each memory is a reminder to seize each and every day; we get so very wrapped up in the day-to-day hustle of life that we forget to count our blessings. Even still, we will continue to make an effort to "stop and smell the roses" as often as possible.

Less subtle reminders and bouts of grief are difficult to overcome but help us to recall that dreadful day and recall that life is precious and that Justin made the ultimate sacrifice so that others could make it home at the end of the day.

I can't even begin to imagine the struggles that Nate has had to face in the weeks following Justin's death. He has felt elated because he would be able to see his wife and kids again. He felt guilty because he would be able to see his wife and kids again. He felt afraid because his sense of security was impeded on. He felt saddened because his friend's life was cut short by a senseless act of violence. He felt confused as to what happened and angry because it did happen. And bouts of anxiety and grief have filled in every moment in between.

It has truly been a whirlwind of hardship. We are comforted by incredible family members and friends for whom without, this already hopeless and tragic week would be near impossible to endure.

It's memorials like the one last week that help with the healing process. It's never easy to relive or recall the events, but celebrating Justin's life through memorial is healing.  Last week, on June 26th (what would have been Justin's 33rd Birthday), friends and family gathered at Seven Stones for the celebration of Justin's life and the planting of his tree.

Justin now rests in the root ball of this tree. To the west is a beautiful view of Colorado's backyard and visitors can rest on the rock in the shade of the tree and review the precious memories stored in the medallion.

Looking forward, Nate will continue to heal. He can never undo what happened or unsee the things that he saw. And Justin will never clock-in at work again. Harsh realities will resurface as we move through the year getting through an upcoming trial and recalling the incident as March comes around again.

I pray for continued support from our community and from QED. I pray that Justin's murder is brought to justice. I pray for healing for Justin's family (who are incredibly kind and compassionate people). I pray that Nate and the entire QED family is lifted up as they work to overcome the months of sadness and despair. And I pray that God gives me the strength to support Nate through these difficult times, and that He also gives me the wisdom to take Justin's sacrifice and find the perplexing value in all of this. Justin was a selfless man and although this world is less without him in it, I am grateful that Nate made it home at the end of a very long and difficult day. 

Thank you Justin Doe and may you rest in peace.