This morning, Jennifer Jewell, Justin Sullivan's cousin posted this on her blog at jennjewell.blogspot.com.
I remember it like it was yesterday...
The crackling of leaves under our footsteps while trekking through the green luscious woods of deep Tennessee. The feel of summer's humidity and sweat against my skin after white-water rafting, rock climbing and hiking the day straight into evening.
{My sweet friend, Sarah, and I had flown across country during the in operable space found between high school and college to join some family friends for outdoor adventure}.
Almost back to our campground, we started up a steep, outdoor staircase. Shouting was heard from up top, some men looking for the dad of the family we were with. My heart stopped. My mind raced...
We're in the middle of no where. What could they possibly want and how did they find us? This can't be good.
My pulse shifted from non-existant to rapid. Sarah and I continued to climb, bringing up the tail, quietly questioning if something could have happened to their grandmother, who had been sick.
The men turned out to be firemen, who had apparently been searching for us all afternoon. They were solemn and discrete as they spoke with John under the shade of a large tree. I could hear throbbing in my ears as I prepared myself to comfort our friends. But as John turned around, his eyes searched for mine. His face was pale, filled with pain and sadness. At that moment, I knew. Someone was gone, and by the look in his eye, it was someone I loved deeply.
"It's Justin," his voice trailed off.
A hopeless feeling like I've never known rushed through me. I remember sobbing myself into the woods and crashing to the ground. I remember us all, even the firemen, face down on the dirt in desperate prayer. I remember making a phone call, only to find no words. I remember our friends driving all day and night to get me home. I remember Sarah's firm grip on my hand.
My cousin, who was so much more than just a cousin. My best friend. A brother. Exactly two months apart, we truly had a unique closeness from the beginning. Same town, same church, same school. Unconditional love, friendship and laughter. Late night contemplations and conversations about anything and everything. Valedictorian. Unmatched honors as an athlete. Named 'Oklahoma Player of the Year' one day before his death. Passionate follower of Christ.
Gone in the blink of an eye.
"You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." James 4:14
As horrible as that event was, it's inevitably going to happen to us all. I'm pretty sure the statistics can speak for themselves... 100% of all people die. Our family was broken. As much as we still ache for him now, we know Justin had a relationship with our almighty God and we can look forward to seeing him again!
What about YOU?
"For it is by GRACE you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
It's a free gift, but we have to ACCEPT it.
Today my memory is flooded. Today I honor Justin Sullivan, an incredible man of God. Today I remember June 3, 2002 and how this world is not our home.
"God has a plan for my life and will work in the most mysterious of ways,"Justin journaled four months before his death.
Today is a day that will not be forgotten.
Posted on
Fri, June 3, 2011
by Chris Wall