December 15

Well, six months since Austin left us, end of the fall semester, Christmas just around the corner, and I'm sorry to say there are no easy answers for this difficult journey. Here are a few things I have learned and a few thoughts from the last few months.

- It's ok to be sad. Holding it in is worse than letting it out.
- Don't be afraid to share your grief with a friend or parent. They are probably sad, too. It's hard to go through this alone.
- If you had a faith before June, Austin's death is likely challenging it. Ask hard questions to someone you respect. Don't give up. Others have walked this road.
- Going to visit Austin's gravesite is hard at first, but it does give me some peace. I know he is not there, but I like to think we meet there.
- Use this time to deepen your faith and seek after the God that Austin so fervently believed in.
- We miss Austin. We don’t shy away from taking about him.
- As time goes on, I consider what character traits of Austin do I want to emulate from now on.
- We'll never move on, but we can move forward over time. Always honoring Austin and taking steps one day at a time (#livelikeaustin)
- We’ve read a few books on grief this year, we’re happy to share.
- Mrs.. Silva and I struggle, too. We don't have all the answers, but we are here anytime to help you process.

The journey continues. The holiday passing won't change that much. Let's keep walking together and encouraging one another until we get there!
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“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.” - Romans 8:28-30

Our bad things will turn out for good. Our good things can never really be lost. And the best things are yet to come. - Jonathan Edwards