I just got back from the visitation. It was really good to talk to his family. They said he had gone on several mission trips this summer, and had really touched a lot of lives. His grandmother put it best - he fulfilled the purpose that God had for him. He truly blessed all those he came in contact with. Since I'm going to be a teacher, I think a lot about losing my students (I had one of my special needs students die last year) and I often wonder how I will handle it. Too many times people I've known have died as the result of violent crimes. (my friend that I grew up with, one of my boyfriends in middle school, my favorite cousin, and several friends throughout middle school and high school.) I am so thankful to God that there was no one else involved, and that it was a young man who lived a pure and beautiful life full of service to others. It was sad, but not depressing. The family is doing well as they can be, and they at least have the comfort of knowing he's in Heaven. Thank you for your prayers and thoughts!

I am so glad you can put a positive spin on this! I lost a little girl that I babysat for (from the time she was born) about three years ago. I still think about her and every now and then her spirit comes to me in dreams, and I see her and smile because she's happy.