A Short Life Well Lived!

Family, friends, and neighbors paid their final respects to my friend Brandon Dillon, 7, of Stuart, during a very touching funeral service Saturday morning in the chapel of Community Funeral Services in Stuart. The service was conducted by the Rev. Jim Churchwell, pastor of New Life Community Fellowship, and Dr. Clyde DeLoach, former pastor of Stuart United Methodist Church with music provided by Debbie Bennett and the Southern Prophets. Brandon, the loving youth who inspired our community during his courageous fight against leukemia, was then laid to rest at Patrick Memorial Gardens. After the graveside ceremon, Brandon's sisters, Tiffany and Sara, and with other children and adults released butterfly-shaped balloons that soared skyward symbolizing to me the freedom from disease and suffering that Brandon now enjoys in Heaven.

Even though Brandon's life was very brief, it was certainly well lived. In fact, we can all gain much insight into the way God wants us to live our lives by looking at the way Brandon lived his. As Rev. Churchwell said during ceremony, Brandon truly "lived, loved, and cared." This sandy-haired youth truly lived his life from moment to moment, never complaining about his situation or wasting a minute. When he was able, Brandon, who was filled with optimism and zest for life, was always on the go, drawing the most from each precious moment of his life. Brandon was one of the most loving children that I have ever met, and he didn't mind telling you that he loved you either. I will never forget the warmth that filled my heart when he spoke the words "I love you" to me from his death bed. Most of all, Brandon cared for other people above himself. He loved his mother and sisters dearly and did not rest until he knew they were happy, safe, and secure. Brandon also cared deeply for other people. Nicknamed "the little preacher boy" because of his strong faith in Jesus, he would often put his hand upon the forehead of family members and friends and say a special prayer uniquely tailored to their particular needs or circumstances. Yes, Brandon truly "lived, loved, and cared" for others.

The measure of a life is not in the number of years lived; the quantity of possessions obtained; or the amount of riches, fame, and fortune acquired. The true measure of a life is the love that we give freely to others and the enrichment that we bring to their lives through our words and deeds. Brandon devoted his short life to living fully, loving tenderly, and caring compassionately for others. Life is a gift from God never to be squandered or to be taken for granted. Brandon's life only lasted 7 short years, but his was undoubtedly a life well-lived.

Speaking personally, Brandon has served as a inspiration to me to try to make some changes and improvements in my own life. Just as he did in life, even in death, this young man (the word "boy" just doesn't seem appropriate in reference to Brandon because of advanced maturity) can serve as a role model and example to all, young and old alike, of what being a Christian is all about, loving God and serving our neighbors above ourselves.

Brandon is now marveling at the wonders of Heaven in the presence of Jesus, but his life still speaks volumes to my heart and to the hearts and lives of the many others who knew and loved him. I am proud to have known him and inspired by what I learned about life from him. I know that I can do a much better job in living my life having for just a brief moment in time watched and admired him as he lived his. I am sure that the first thing God said to Brandon upon his arrival in Heaven was "well done, my child, well done." Brandon Webster Dillon's life was well-lived, indeed! God rest his soul.

Please keep Brandon's family in your prayers, and in honor of his memory, please join me in seeking in our own lives to..."live, love, and care".

Until next time, may God bless you with a "great day"!

Richard