I remember the day he was born like it was yesterday.  Our birthdays were only a week apart.  He was such a cute little baby.  Then his one year portrait and so many others through the years.  I last photographed him in August at Guido Gardens.  He was down from Marietta helping us celebrate my dad’s 60th birthday.    Then we were together a few weeks ago celebrating Christmas.  He was a rising senior and a great athlete.  He was very handsome, well mannered and very smart.  He was an ALL AMERICAN teenager.  He was so excited about being a senior next year and we enjoyed some special time planning his senior pictures.  I was excited about photographing him in Atlanta and at his home in Marietta.

God had a little different plan for Garrett however.  Tonight, at midnight, he was killed in a head on collision outside of Atlanta.  Garrett was my cousin and yes, 16 is WAY too early to depart this earth.  Edie Grace had decided to spend the night with my dad tonight.  At 2 AM we received the horrific phone call.  I understood immediately something was terribly wrong – but would have NEVER imagined that this would be the news.  We have spent that last few hours gathering clothes and things and helping my dad and step-mother Cathy prepare to make the long trip to Atlanta.  Garrett’s mom, Sarah, is Cathy’s baby sister.

DeWayne worked as a paramedic/firefighter through college and in our early years of marriage.  I don’t know all the stories but I do know that working an accident like this was always the hardest.  They would often visit with the family of the deceased shortly after the accident.  He talks about being burdened when a young mother or father asks WHY?  Such a simple three letter word – but one that brings the weight of the world crashing down.  There is never a simple answer to that question.  Now, tonight, we are in a much different position in asking that question WHY? 

Did I mention he was handsome, smart, so polite and SO FULL OF LIFE?

Earlier today, a very good friend of ours, a fellow photographer shared with us that they were not going to survive the economic downturn.  The bank had called their note and they will soon loose everything they owned.  Their home, their business, their cars…everything.  But surprisingly they seemed relieved and I was taken aback at how well they seemed to be handling this seemingly horrific news.  I remarked at how well they seemed to be doing and she looked at me and shared with me how blessed she truly was.  She told me that she has great health, a wonderful husband, incredible children and grandchildren.  God had really blessed her in so many ways and she thought this was God’s way of reminding her what was really important.  That was less than 12 hours before I received the call.  Of course, I have thought about them all day.  But now I understand in very clear terms what she means. 

I just want to hold Edie Grace so tight in my arms and thank GOD for the gift that she is to me and DeWayne.  I want to celebrate Garrett’s wonderful life and enjoy the special memories I have of him.  I want to remember all the ways he touched my life.  I want to thank him tonight for helping center me and remind me how precious life really is.  It is a GIFT.

Please remember his mom and dad, Sarah and Neal Reed and his little brother Carter in your prayers.  They will need them. 

One more thing – go now and kiss your husband and your children and tell them how much you love them and how special they are to you.  Then call or email everyone you know and do the same!  Remember Garrett while your doing this.  He is in heaven now.