I do not know how to write something like this. Under the circumstances, I would rather use this space to show hope and prayer.
Rodney was a friend of mine, a teammate of mine for seven years, and an unbelievable person. His love for life was evident every single day. He used humor to brighten the days of everyone. His laugh and smile would warm anyone up. The team will miss him without question. A few members of the team went to the crash site and just prayed for a few hours. These events bring people together more than they ever thought they would. The words I am typing now cannot describe the hurt I feel and the pain I have seen in the eyes of my friends.
Instead of talking about Rod, I want to use this time to reemphasize the people in my life who I love and who I am thankful for.
Mom and Dad- You guys have been my heroes my whole life. You two have raised me to be who I am today. Because of you, I know what I need to do in life and I have become a leader because of the values you have taught me and instilled in me. Without you, I do not know what I would do. Thank you so much for being there for me always and forever. I love you.
Molly, Teddy, and John- You three don't know how much I enjoy being your big brother. I consider it a privilege to look out for you guys when things are tough. I hope you see me as a good influence. I have made my foot steps so you can all follow in them. The best thing about you three, though, is that you look out for me too. This weekend when my life took a major turn, you were all there to comfort me and help me through this tough time. I love you.
Grandma Sandy, Daddy Rock, Birdie, Pop-Pop, Aunts, Uncles, extended family, etc.- You all are the glue that keeps me together. Thank you so much for always being there when I need you most. All of you know how to cheer me up and that is what I appreciate most. Your love for me is unbelievable. I know you would all go amazing distances to make sure I am all right, and that is why I love you all so much. You are all major parts in my life and I thank God for all of you every single day. I cherish the time we have together. I love you.
Mac, Kyle, Patrick, and Zach- You guys have been my core group of friends for as long as I can remember. I never take for granted the time I have with you guys because I now see that it can be taken away so fast, just like Rodney. You all have the ability to make me laugh and keep me in that comfort zone. You guys mean everything to me and I think of you guys as family. I will always cherish the moments we will have or have had together, even when we go off to school next year. I can only hope our friendships last until we leave each other for good and join Him in the heavens. I love you.
Basketball Teammates- We have been drawn closer because of the recent events. Rodney's passing will give us the opportunity to come together and show everyone how much we love him and how much we enjoy the time we have with each other. All of you guys have been through the thick and thin with me and I thank God every day for each of you too. You guys make up a part of my heart and soul and I will carry you with me wherever I go in life. Someday, we will be reunited with Rodney, and it will be glorious. I love you.
Friends- You all keep me going every day. You're the reason I wake up in the morning, why I go to school, why I can deal with tragedies like Rodney's death. Thank you all for being there for me always. I know most, if not all, of you will read this, but I feel that these words will reach you somehow. We can all come together in light of Rodney's passing and we will all be fine. God has a strange way of working, but He knows what He is doing. We just have to trust Him. I love you.
Rodney- Man, the tears have been falling for you. Why did you have to leave us so soon? The memories have been flooding my mind all weekend. Like you said, "Ain't nothing faster than 'pium.'" If only you were still here. I could bring you some of my mom's brownies, the ones you loved so much. You were always able to make me laugh. Even when we played on the same Y-ball team in 4th grade. I remember going to your house and playing video games. Your love for life made me love life even more. You were a good teammate and an even better friend and person. No amount of words can sum up how much I and others will miss you. It just doesn't seem fair, but God knows what He is doing. You are in a beautiful place now. And trust me, I know you will be looking down on me for the rest of my life. You may be gone, Rod, but you will never, ever be forgotten. I love you so much.
Rest In Peace Rodney Thompson.
October 17, 2008. Forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment