Loss and gain

July 8 was a tragic day for me. 


My phone was ringing at 2 a.m. and when I picked it up, a friend asked, in an unusually somber voice, if I'd seen posts on Facebook about our friend Aaron Carrillo, a boy who played drums and lead guitar in our worship band. 


I immediately got out of bed and checked Facebook. I looked on Aaron's wall and scrolled down to what seemed like endless posts of "I'm going to miss you's" and "can't believe this happened" type of messages.  


Reality set in and I realized that this boy, at the tender age of 16, [and his friend, Jonathan Cervoni] had died in a drunk driving accident. Aaron had died? I couldn't believe it. 


It was only two days ago that I'd sat with him and several other friends for dinner. He'd been telling me about a girl he'd been interested who he'd taken out just the weekend prior. 


His loss has me thinking of the fragility of life and the sense of absence of someone we care for. 


I appreciate life, or rather have been reminded to be more appreciative. 


Everyday Aaron made sure he was a living example of his beliefs and always put his best foot forward to execute his passion for music. 


His life is an inspiration, despite his few years on this earth. Just think, he was able to impact hundreds, maybe even thousands of people in his 16 years with us. 


Don't ever underestimate your impact or influence on others. 


You can read my article on Aaron by clicking this link: In Remembrance of Aaron K. Carrillo


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