We lost a Good One.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalms 34:18.

Last week my family lost a great man. My mom called me Monday night with the heartbreaking news that my uncle Darin had passed away. Darin was my dad’s little brother, the second born son of my gram and gramps, and big brother to my aunts. He was a light in our family. He always made me giggle with his jokes and a laugh that made me laugh. Uncle Darin went out of his way quite a few times to come see Jeff and I when he was working on fencing jobs near Cheyenne. He brought us Wishbone fencing hoodies and made special trips to come meet Grace and Ella when they were born. Uncle Darin was such a kind soul and had a way of making me feel like I was special when he talked to me. He was a great dad and loved talking about his kids, Laramie and Walker.

We had a beautiful service for Uncle Darin at my grandparents ranch in Aladdin on Saturday. It was a hard thing to get through, but it felt like God gave us an extra beautiful day and a crowd of loving friends and family to pay tribute to the life of an incredible man. A dear friend of our family, Jeff Stone did an awesome job leading the memorial service. Jeff had rodeoed with my uncle Darin in college and he shared about leading uncle Darin to the Lord and praying with him for salvation at his kitchen table a few years back. I hate the pain my cousins, my aunt Berta and the rest of my family is feeling. I hate the fact that my uncle had to leave this earth too early, but I am so thankful for the peace of knowing he was saved.

Easter this year, did not go the way any of our family would hope for. Instead of spending the weekend celebrating and hunting eggs after church, we spent the weekend mourning a terrible loss. Although it wasn’t a fun or joyous Easter, I have never felt the significance of or gratitude for the sacrifice Christ made for us more. Because Jesus has won the battle over sin and death by giving his life for us, nailed to a cross, my uncle Darin is in heaven and the rest of my family will one day get to be there with him as well. Thank you Lord that death isn’t the end, thank you for eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Rest in peace Uncle Darin you will be greatly missed down here.

Until we meet again,

Tatum