to casey

About eighteen months ago, I tossed you something in youth group—candy, probably—and with your usual exuberance you told me, “I love you!” When, distracted, I didn’t immediately respond, you said, “aww, she doesn’t love me.” “I do love you, Casey,” I replied… and I still do. I love your family and your church friends, too.

Love does not end with death, because love is the greatest gift of the One who, as the old hymn goes, “wirt and art and ever more shall be.” Love bonds us together with connections stronger than our mortal bodies. You know that, of course; for a full year now you have understood fully what our earthly minds only dimly comprehend. And that is balm for my still-aching heart; I hope it is for others, as well.

I’d say rest in peace, but nothing would drive you crazier. Skate and bounce and flip with joy, my friend… until we all meet again.