Three years ago my brother-in-law Brad died at the age of twenty-four. In April of 2005 he was within weeks of graduating and ready to be commissioned as an officer into the Air Force. He and his good friend John decided to have one final adventure before receiving their diplomas and moving out of state. They went canyoneering in Southern Utah and faced unexpected conditions that caused them both to die of hypothermia.
It was an unbelievable nightmare for my sister, Brad's wife, their families and friends. Brad and John were both experienced outdoorsmen, skilled climbers, athletes and Eagle Scouts. When we learned that they were overdue for their scheduled return we naturally assumed that they were so strong, capable and intelligent that they could not possibly be seriously injured or worse. The days that followed were terrible. We waited helplessly as the terrain was so treacherous that only trained search and rescue could enter the slot canyons to look for them. We waited, prayed, worried and did our best to think positively.
We are all so vulnerable to pain we can't prevent or control. Roxanne, my sister and Brad's wife, is doing okay, but what else can she do? The only good option is to move forward and do your best to be happy. The loneliness doesn't disappear and neither does the loss. Sometimes I feel the bitterness of injustice and almost angry that life isn't fair. However, I recognize that life is a small fraction of eternity and eternity is fair. Because of Jesus Christ all have equal access to eternal happiness.
We miss Brad. His goodness, humility, dedication and example of living life well have inspired me to be better. I trust in God's plan and give thanks for the mercy of sending His only begotten Son that overcame death.
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