Guardian Angel

Lucas, 26, of Tampa, passed away suddenly on October 7, 2012. He is survived by his Mother and her husband; his father and his wife; two sisters; a maternal grandmother. Lucas was a 2005 graduate of Plant High School and attended Florida State University for two years. He had a creative spirit, a love for art and extreme sports. Prior to his untimely passing, he was a barista with Starbucks in Tampa. By all accounts, he had an amazing smile, a big heart and a zest for life. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, and friend who will be forever missed.

When we lose our parents we are orphaned. When we lose a spouse we are widowed. There is no name for what we are when we lose a child. On my own son's 26th Birthday I learned of Lucas’ death. He was a close friend of my nephew. My son and his cousin (my nephew) are the same age. There is no measure of the sadness and pain of losing a child. There are no words. He will be remembered with joy and smiles always.A friend of the family offered this in Lucas’ virtual guest book: “You all have a special guardian angel!” What a beautiful thought.

Sometimes something happens in our lives that just gives us pause. And so a moment of silence… 

Song for Lucas

You are gone.

It isn’t about you.

We are Young.

A popular song plays;

So let’s set the world on fire;

We can burn brighter than the sun.

But you are gone.

We feel sorrow and pain;

For you made an impression.

A creative spirit;

A barista with a big heart

and amazing smile.

You are gone.

We will remember you always.

Our denial doesn’t bring you;

Anger emerges and subsides.

No bargain can be made;

You have gone home.

You are gone.

Out of this deep sadness we recall you;

Dancing for a short while.

And yet, until we die we cannot know

That death is not the greatest joy.

You are gone.

We will go on.