On my way home from Washington DC, I recieved a phone call from Anthony telling me that one of our friends was killed in Afghanistan. I was friends with Steven Sutton in middle school / early high school when he attended Byne church. We went on several church camps together, and sat together during "big church". At church camp, he would carry me around like a baby and let me put eyeshadow, lipstick, mascara, and blush on him, and he wore it all day long one day. Anthony was good friends with him in middle school and all throughout high school.
Steven's funeral was just for friends and family, and Anthony and I got to be a part of it. Steven's wife, Toni, wanted Stevens friends to get up on stage at the funeral and give a speech if they felt led to do so. After much debate, Anthony finally decided that he wanted to say something. His speech was flawless. He had everyone in tears, but then also had everyone laughing, because of a funny story that he experienced with Steven. Steven's dad had been crying loudly during the funeral, but he even laughed and made a smart comment to Anthony while he was talking to the crowd.
Our community came up with the idea to line the streets with flags. They said they wanted more people to show up for that than the amount that showed up for Phillip Phillips concert.
I honestly think that more people showed up for this than the concert.
Everyone complains about living in Albany, and how it is so small. Well today made me proud to be from the South.
I loved seeing how our community came together for Steven and his family.
There was not an empty spot from the church to the cemetery.
Families were lined up, children were lined up, people were standing alone, even old women were standing by themselves on the street holding a flag. It made me wonder if they had lost their husband in a war years ago.
I do not think there was a dry eye in the streets yesterday.
The preacher of the funeral was also the chaplain to the football team. He told a story about how Steven came up to him after a message one day and let him know how much he loved listening to his messages. The preacher then asked Steven if he was a believer, and Steven said "very much so, Oh yes sir".
It is always sad when someone dies, but it is very comforting to know that this person has gone to be with the Lord.
Gone, but not forgotton. You made a HUGE impact in so many people's lives, Big Steve. I think that was obvious to so many after yesterday!!
