Our little community has certainly had its fair share of heartache over the past two years.
Experiencing so much loss in such a short span of time is taking its toll on this family. In times like these, our humanity becomes very real. We are reminded that, though we are young, we are not invincible. We do not have super powers. Our lives are fragile, precious and fleeting, full of unpredictability.
As the news sets in of the passing of our dear, sweet friend, Clint Diaz, I find myself once again asking questions that may never be answered. Why is this happening again? How much pain are we expected to endure? How many times can our community be knocked off of its feet before we are no
longer able to stand back up? I’m not alone in my search for a better understanding.
Clint touched the lives of so many during his short time here. He was a shining example of love and kindness. This incredible man had more passion and talent in his big toe than most of us have in our entire bodies (And I’m quite certain that he could dance far better using only that big toe than I could ever dream of using both of my feet). Clint was a star. No. Clint IS a star and he will shine on in our hearts forever.
I doubt that I will ever be able to answer all of the questions swimming around in my head, but thanks to my short time as a part of the ACU community, I can answer one: How many times can we be knocked down?
After witnessing the outpouring of love and support from students, faculty and family members through every possible outlet available, and seeing not only the mourning of this great loss, but also the celebration of the incredible life that he lived, I have found my answer: infinite.
As long as the members of this family continue to respond in times of suffering with overwhelming love and support, no matter how much pain we are asked to endure, we will continue to find joy. No matter how many times we are beaten down by this world, we will continue to rise to our feet.
This community is strong and resilient, because each loss has made us this way. We will continue to persevere, to find joy in the little things and to live each day with a new appreciation for the possibilities that it holds. We will continue to smile, to play, to laugh and to dance – for Anabel, for Rex, for Lindsey and for Clint- because that is how they taught us to live.
