One more day…

One more day, one more time, one more sunset maybe I’d be satisfied, but then again, I know just that would do, keep me wishing still for one more day with you…. (Diamond Rio, 2000).

If you read about Diamond Rio band talk about this song, you will hear how they could have never imagined the impact it would mean for so many people. Around the time of the songs release, Dale Earnhardt, Sr., was killed at Daytona and the song made a resurgence after the 9/11 attacks. Marty Roe said, “it seemed to say what people wanted to hear, and what they wanted to say about someone they lost.”

When I think of this song, I, of course, think of Nolan.

Nolan, today, you would be 29. The thought of you not being here is crippling. It cripples so many people. You touched so many in your short lifetime, that I cannot imagine how many people your life has touched. Jesus used you in ways you could not have ever imagined, all because you chose to trust in Him.

Almost one year without you seems like an eternity,.. But I choose to focus on what time we all had with you, and not let the enemy steal the joy you brought to our lives. I think of when you and Alexis came and told us you were going to have Laney, and you and her had played me all day and I had no idea what you were about to tell me. I think of how you hugged me and let me act like a crazy woman when I figured it all out.

I think of you going to see your Mom graduate with her doctorate degree and how proud you were of her…how you decided you would grow a 70’s mustache while you were there for her big day, because your words, “new place, new me”. We were all grateful the patrol did not allow facial hair and you had to get rid of that ‘stache when you got home.

No one will ever compare to your loving heart, your bigger than life personality and your even bigger smile, I am sure your parents spent a fortune on, just like mine did.

I am thankful you had the best childhood and lived your years here on earth happy and healthy… I am thankful my child found you and you gave her the best gift anyone could imagine with our sweet Laney.

So, today I choose to find joy. Remembering how you loved all of us makes me smile. Remembering how you made us all laugh, non-stop makes me smile even bigger. You were a true, one of a kind, smile maker!

I think about what the Bible says about loved ones who go before us. God’s Word says in 1 Thessalonians to “not grieve as those who have no hope”. I have hope, because I know beyond a doubt you are with your Savior. He chose to take you and that is not something for me to understand. I know I cannot comprehend the why, so I ask God to help me always remember all the joy you brought to so many.

“Last night I had a crazy dream, a wish was granted just for me, it could be anything. I didn’t ask for money or a mansion in Malibu, I simply wished for one more day with you…” (Diamond Rio). One day we will be with you for all eternity! And I honestly cannot wait to see you!