Something to Share

In late May of 2021, one of Eli’s best friends, Ross Schultz and his girlfriend Dixie were killed in a car accident. It was devastating watching him and his friends try to make sense of it. Our son, and the entire community were in shock. 

A week later, Eli left for Camp Tawonga for the summer, sad and confused and grieving.  At Tawonga, he was encouraged to openly process and talk about his grief.  And he did, talking to counselors and friends and writing his thoughts in a little notepad. 

He was trying hard to find his way at camp and lean into joy, while also grieving the loss of Ross and Dixie. Twenty year olds shouldn’t have to do this, but like everything he did, he was laser focused, thoughtful and determined to find his way, because he loved life and his friends and his family so much.

Six weeks later he was gone. 

Your son isn’t supposed to die. 

And you’re not supposed to find grief notes written by your son after he dies that teach you how to grieve his own death.

Here are a few of his notes.

Scott - January 2023