the ripples of loss

to the mom and dad who lost their son
   i don't know the why and some things we aren't meant to know on this side
to the brother and sister who lost a brother
   remember all the laughter, sunshine, and fun
to the grandparents who lost a grandson
   help us be strong and hold on
to the friends
   be there for each other and never forget the memories
to the classmates
   stick together and smile to those who can't and cry with those who are
to the teachers
   be courageous and tenacious for your work isn't done
to the community
   let us remember that we are all facing battles, some are on the news and some are not
   we should be kind and patient and a little bit more understanding

but most of all let all of us remember the ripples we make
for i didn't know this young man
but the loss of his presence on earth has been felt in my soul
i have cried for the mom and dad and siblings and grandparents and friends and teachers
let us not forget the impact each of us has on the world
we are significant
we matter
this boy mattered
we make ripples and waves of good or bad
and let us not forget this sweet soul who has forever impacted us with a gift of love and community
may we continue to rally around one another in prayer and unrequited, gracious love