Brent

Yesterday my cousins son died in a tragic car accident. Mahlon is my first cousin, this was he and his wife's only son. My heart is especially heavy for the entire family as Mahlon's Father, Sister and now son have all died within the past 4 years. Once again I am reminded of the closeness of death. Brent was 20 years old and just about to graduate from college. There are no words, it is senseless. Brent's cousin Clarita wrote beautifully about him on her blog. So, I will simply link you to that site here. My sister sent all of us, (her brothers and sisters) an email and wrote this: "In light of yesterday's tragedy in Aunt Susie's family, I am so grateful that our family circle is still unbroken. I realize how very fragile life is and we have no guarantees of forever on this side of heaven. All we can do is treasure the moments and the people in our lives right now." I couldn't have said it better. Tomorrow morning all 8 of us are having breakfast together, a yearly Fall tradition. I will savor the moments with fresh vision.

This was Brent's obituary in the paper today. Brent A. Stoltzfus, 20, 61 Poplar Street, Gordonville, died Tuesday, Novemeber 11, 2008 of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. He was the son of Mahlon and June Schrock Stoltzfus. Brent graduated from Pequea Valley High School in 2006 and was currently a student at the Automotive Training Center, Exton. He enjoyed hockey and working on cars. He worked for C & J Tire Service, New Holland. Also surviving are: his sister, Beth married to Eric Hess of Willow Street; paternal grandmother, Susan Stoltzfus of Bird-in-Hand; maternal grandparents Ivan married to Ruby Schrock of Goshen, IN. The memorial service will be held at Ridgeview Mennonite Church on Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 4 pm. There will be no viewing. Greeting time with the family will be from 2-4 p.m. Saturday. Private interment at the convenience of the family.

Love the ones you're with.

*"Safe" by Plumb