Dear Dillon, As I drove down a tree lined street on the way to Denise & Steve’s house tonight, I looked at all the homes: lawns covered with leaves, a crisp chill in the air-the signs of autumn everywhere. Suddenly, this sensation came over me that in so many ways I dread this time of year which should be so special. It comes about this time each year, and I have to work very hard to fight it off. It is the time of year when more than ever, I miss those that I loved so much that are no longer here. They should be here. And now, I am going to be missing you too, and getting used to life without you. It is going to be difficult to go through these family events without you. I hope your mom, dad, and sister know how much we are feeling their loss, and let us share it with them. Each year I hope it won’t be this way, but it that sensation arrived and crept in today. We never know what life has planned for us, but I never expected that you would not be living it to its fullest. Maybe you were….and are.

On a more upbeat note, I have been seeing a boy biking to school in the morning, as I drive to school. He lives somewhere on our street and must be in junior high. The resemblance is striking…I swear it is you about five years ago. Now, I see lots of “Dillons” around my school, in town, and everywhere. But there can only be one “YOU” who brought so much happiness to everyone you came in contact with, especially to your mom & dad & sister. We will never be able to understand the why, but certainly we do understand our love for you, and now our loss. As the days go by, I hope you will be able to give your family and friends the strength they will need to move forward without you.

I remember the first time I saw you, I couldn’t take my eyes off you. I loved watching you navigate every step of your amazing life. Love, Aunt Liz