My son turned 24 but is Forever 16
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Dustin will be forever 16, however March 1st, would have been his 24th birthday.
I try each year to figure out a way to remember that Dustin was a gift.
And he is always in my heart, his love stays with me forever.
Sixteen years was never enough time to spend with my only child.
But in this life we don't always get what we want.
Somehow, we must continue searching for a way to be thankful for what we do have and continue moving forward, one step at a time.
No matter your circumstances, you can always find someone worse off than you.
I am very thankful for the 16 years I had with Dustin, and I will try to put on a smile each day to let him know how much I love him.
I will reach into my heart and find one of those happy memories I have tucked away that we shared and who knows, maybe even laugh a little.
I know he is always watching me from wherever he is and when he sees his Mom smiling, he will also have a smile.
I love you Dustin!
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nadp, Hold your daughters real tight. We never know when our time will come. What I have witnessed should never be endured by anyone. I am still picking up the pieces. I try to stay focused and it is most difficult, but it's what I have to do if I will survive.
Dustinsmom- Happy Belated Birthday to Dustin. You're positive outlook and attitude is admirable. Dustin would be proud how you have managed to pick up the pieces and carry on.
I'm sure that there are times where there are more bad days then good days. But this too shall pass. You have an inner strength and beauty that comes forth through your writing.
Hugs,
Sage
Sage, Your words are so supportive. Thank you again. I am going through a lot with an aunt right now, I spent a week with her, she is in the end stages of COPD, on hospice and probably won't last long, so sad.
This is the first of your hubs I chose to read and I too wish to express my condolences for the loss of your dear son. You are right 16 is too young to and although I am unaware of the details, I am sorry for his loss and for the loss and pain you must endure every day!
Jen, Your words of support and comfort mean more than you know. I lost Dustin to suicide. Yes, it is a forever pain.
Thank you for visiting.
Dear DustinsMom, Although I read about your dear boy (so handsome) on RedGage .. I just now learned of his suicide .. a forever pain. The song you added to this hub had me in tears with compassion for you and your deep loss.
I stand in awe of your determination to be thankful for the years you had with your son and to focus on the happy memories. You are a very strong woman. May God Bless YOU abundantly and richly!!
Mekenzie
Mekenzie, Your comforting words mean more than you know. I have to try to find some sort of hope to hold onto. It is my mode of survival. It is not an easy road but one in which I must strive to move forward. It is what Dustin would have wanted. And the song, oh it touches me each time I hear it.
Thank you for your support, my new friend.
Dustin's Mom, you are a strong women and I know your hubs will help others and inspire them to keep going. I too lost a sister in the same way. God Bless
Granny's House, Thank you but I consider myslef a survivor, I sometimes wonder where my strength comes from. I never would have believed I would be able to survive such a nightmare. We do what we have to do in this life.
Bless you my friend.
Hello! Nice to read your articles and welcome to hubpages
Thanks lemmy. I hope to write more soon.
DustinsMom, just wanted to leave a word of support for you here..and my admiration for the wisdom you share. A big hug to you!
AuriFin, You are so kind. Thank you very much my friend. It means more than you know.
I realize now why I felt an instant connection with you, when I first saw the email with "dustin's mom" on it from RedGage!! Then when I saw the hands and butterfly I knew you had lost a child, the same as I have. My baby was 20 years old. I also share exactly the same interests - mental health advocacy, quotes, etc. It is very strange to me. When I saw this hubpage, I was so reminded of my own son my heart simply fluttered inside my chest! I also have adult children with severe schizophrenia. Please know you are not alone and I can see the great works you are doing, helping others through a life altering process. It changes who you are. I wish you peace, that alone, friend.
Polly, Wow, isn't that amazing! you never know who you will reach or connect with just by sharing your story. Thank you for finding me on hubpages. I am so sorry for your loss as well. Butterflies are my connection to Dustin. I wish you the same peace my new found friend.
Oh my, what a story to read on father's day. I am so glad that I have a son to hold and cherish. Thank you so much for helping me have the best perspective. I am glad I have my son to love and cherish. I think I will call him now and tell him how lucky I am to be a father.
Steve, You are very lucky to have your son and I hope you called him. Happy Father's Day!
Oh, D.M
I hesitated to respond to your comment on redgage/China Doll, because I quiet honestly don't know how I can say what I'm feeling. You sound so strong, and yet - it's so easy to cry for the lost, but what about the living? We forget them sometimes. Anyway, this was beautiful, and the song, which has always been a favorite, really does fit. Take care.
Slainia, Thank you for your words. Each day is a challenge. Some days are better then others. I never thought of myself as strong. However, to survive this horiffic ordeal, one must be strong. I hope I can help others by sharing my nightmare. I feel my family and others have gone on with their own lives. It is not as easy for me to pick up the pieces and move forward. But I take each day as it comes and hope for a better tomorrow.
I can only think of the one thing, "There but by the Grace of God go I". I was very lucky, is all I can say.
You are doing a wonderful job keeping your sons memory alive with your words. No parent should have to suffer this way, I am sorry for your loss.
Thank you for sharing.
Sweetsusieg, Thank you for your comments, they are much appreciated.
...Peace for your beautiful Dustin too....
nadp 2 years ago
DustinsMom, my heart goes out to you. I have three daughters and they are the most precious thing in life to me. Two years ago my youngest was in a very bad motorcycle accident and I know that it is only through the grace of God that she is still with us today - healed, whole, happy, and beautiful. I don't mean to be making you feel bad because my story had a happy ending. But I know that just the thought of coming close to losing her causes an ache in my heart - and I can only imagine how you must hurt. It is very wise of you to focus on the happy memories - that has got to take a lot of strength.