Celebration of Life Chase Dupree

A Celebration of Life was held yesterday in Susanville, California for Chase Dupree.  It is sad to think that  such an event had to be planned, life is so unpredictable.  Everything seems to be going along just fine, then all of a sudden, something happens that turns your world upside down.  I know that my brother's family is hurting, trying to process in their minds the fact that they have lost a child.  This isn't a easy task, because it is just not natural and way too horrible to even imagine.

I did not attend the Celebration of Life, but Cathy, my sister-in-law, wrote that it was a success.  Balloons were released up into the heavens for Chase,  I am sure he was watching from above wishing he could take away the pain that everyone was feeling.  It is wonderful to have events like these for those of us who have lost a child, it hurts, but at the same time it is comforting to feel the love that radiates from everyone attending.  Chase was loved and he will be remembered by all who knew him, he left his imprint on this earth, even though he only resided here 13 years.  I hope everyone shared and keeps sharing stories about Chase to his family, this helps, to be reassured that his memory lives on with others.

Chase's family decided to donate his functioning organs to help others.  I cannot fathom how hard this would be, we didn't do this when my son died, but I think is one of the most selfless and generous gifts that can be given.  A part of Chase will live on physically in someone else, he has given another child the gift of life.  I am proud that my family had the strength and generosity to do this.  It speaks volumes of the character of this family.  Even in agony, they were able to see through the pain to help someone else.

I wasn't at the Celebration of Life for Chase, but he was on my mind all day yesterday and today.  I will think of Chase often, say a prayer for him to help his family through the days and years ahead.  I believe that he will find a way to let them know that his spirit lives on, I think he might have already have done this.  I know that Brandon gave me signs, some might think they were coincidences, but I know better, you soul can just feel it.

Chase has his wings now, he has family with him, a great grandmother, two great grandfathers and a young angel named Brandon to help him learn the ropes of heaven.  I know this doesn't help the family, because all they really want is Chase here with them.  But I know that I did find some a bit of peace knowing that when my dad passed, he would be with Brandon.  I know that in the end we will all end up together.