Not enough time...

Have you ever know anyone that died? No, I don't mean your grandmother that was 95 years old or an uncle that lived to be 102. I mean someone that died who seemed to leave this earth WAY too soon. I know God has a plan and he doesn't just take people at random but it's very hard to understand how a child can die so young and leave his legacy to his parents and family.

Tynan had leukemia and was a 5 year old little boy. In his short little life, he touched so many people; myself, included. I never met Tynan but felt I knew him through the daily updates from his family blog and a close friend.

What do you say to yourself when something like this happens? How do you cope? What questions get answered? All the hopes and dreams you have had for your child are scattered to the wind. You realize that they'll never grow up and ask you for the keys to the car, or come in late from a date. They'll never walk down the aisle to receive their diploma or call you on the phone just to talk because they miss you. You won't hear the sounds of your grandchild crying or the feeling of total pride when your grandchild hits his/her first home run. These dreams and plans are snuffed out way to early and along with that comes the pain and realization that they, indeed, will never come to pass.

I am filled with sadness for every parent, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, cousin or teacher that has ever had to attend the funeral of a child. No child should die before his or her parents. That's just not the way it should be. But life can be very short and full of questions and confusion. God is there to help us through those difficult times.

I know Tynan's family will be ok. From what I've heard, they are a very close family. If you are close and have God at the center of your family, getting through these times is a lot easier. Right now I just want to go home and hug my kids and thank God that they are healthy. I pray for them daily and also pray that if this should ever happen to our family that He will give me the grace and strength to make it through. I pray that day never comes, though.

Life is precious. And it can be over in a second. Or even if it takes a while, the struggle can be long and hard. Sometimes, death comes as a blessing. But we always have God to look to and ask for comfort. He will ALWAYS be there for us.

Don't take each other for granted. Live each day as if it were your last. Love your family and treat them well. You never know when your life will be changed forever. Live it with gusto and adventure. We all were put on this earth to live with one another, love each other and to try and make a difference in this world before we leave it. Tynan made that difference. He was strong and lived life as God wanted him to. I know he is up there right now showing God how to rodeo and having the time of his life.