Taken So Young

Today I went to a funeral of a young man I went to junior high and high school with. I was best friends with his cousin, so I knew the family pretty well growing up. But once everyone graduated we went our separate ways :-(  I remember he was one of those guys that was genuinely kind to everyone, not matter who they were..where they came from. I remember going to Lake Mead with the entire family, and I'm not just talking like 10 people...this family has a M.I.L.L.I.O.N. relatives. Ok that might be a bit of an exaggeration. Anyways, I remember Tyson trying to help me water ski, because he was a pro at this stage in life (junior high). I didn't know him well, but from what I knew of him he was a great person.
When I heard the news last Thursday evening that he died, it broke my heart. I could feel the pain their family was going through, it was awful. I knew what it was like to lose a brother, and it sucks. Since that day I have thought about his family constantly, I have been trying so hard to hold back tears. Like I said today was his funeral, this is the first funeral I have been to since Erich died almost 5 years ago. It was definately not easy, not that funerals should be, but this just really hit home. Tyson was only 28 years old when he was taken from his family. Erich was only 24 years old when he was taken from his family. They were both taken from us unexpectedly, which makes the pain and grieving process that much more difficult.
This morning I woke up knowing I was going to this funeral today, but when the time came to leave work I kinda was getting scared. I didn't want to go anymore, I didn't want to feel that pain again. But I talked with mom, and I ended up going. It was extremely difficult to be there. I cried. I cried a lot. It just reminded me of when Erich died. It brought up all those memories of his funeral and being taken from me/us too soon. There are no words to describe the pain of losing a best friend, a brother, a son. Its heart-wrenching.
There was one amazing thing about today...I was in awe of how this family pulled together and still gave praise to God. They all have such strong faith and know that Tyson served the Lord every day he was here on earth, but he is now in heaven where he belongs. This family has such a deep love for God that they expressed to us all, that there is a reason for Tyson being taken so soon, there is a reason for him not continuing his life on earth. The strength they all have in God and support from one another is amazing, there really are no words to describe how refreshing it was too see each and every one of them pull together and honor his life today and still serve the Lord.
Even though going to this funeral today brought up many memories of when my brother died, I am glad I went to witness such an amazing group of people honoring their son/brother/ husband/cousin/nephew and being a testimony of God's love. This funeral really made me think about my life, how I am living now and the things I should change. You never would think a funeral would do that to you, you would? But this one did :-)