Bear one another's burdens

To Craig's Family: I didn't really know your son personally but I have a lot of connections to him via EFY. I was involved in EFY at the same time as him and we share many mutual friends. I'm not writing this to be posted on this blog but I am writing to tell you of how sorry I am for your loss. 9 years ago my little brother, drowned in the Provo/Orem canal down by River Woods. There is now a tree, park, and walkway in memory there of him. I remember how much of a relief it felt to talk to people who just understood what I was going through, who didn't need to say anything but just understood the giant hole in my heart. Since then I have found that writing to other families who have had similar tragedies has been very helpful. I know that I don't know exactly what you are going through but I too waited on the side of the canal while rescuers tried to find my brothers body--the mix of hope and fear was awful. It is a time in my life I wish I could erase. Finding his body brought a sense of peace but also made me really take stalk in what I believe. It was impossible for me at 19 (my brother was 15) to even fathom the idea that I wouldn't see my brother again until the resurrection. I clung to my family and my faith and somehow--over time--I found that I could smile again, that I could laugh, and that I could talk about my brother without tears. It has been 9 years since Grant's death but I think about him all the time. Just recently I had a family reunion with my immediate family (all 11 of us) and I couldn't help but wonder what my brother would be like if he were alive today. So I just wanted to let you know that you are all in my prayers--it seems the ones left behind suffer the most! I hope you take solace-as did my family-that Craig was a great example to everyone around him. Know my prayers are with you all and like my family-this gives you and even better outlook on the resurrection--a firm reason to stay strong in the faith!