A Shock and Loss

On our way home from Atlanta on Tuesday, we found out that Josh's cousin Drew had fallen critically ill the night before. Josh left Wednesday morning to visit him and his family in Louisville. Josh returned Thursday night, but within a week, Drew was gone. It felt just that fast and shocking.

Drew was an avid musician, cyclist, event manager (on the grand scale - he helped run the Louisville Convention Center for years), Jesus lover, and family man. He was 41 years old, and left behind his wife and two children (5, 2).

We joined Josh's family to remember Drew the following weekend. I was amazed by the outpouring of love for Drew and his family. The line at the visitation wrapped through the halls of Middletown Christian Church and out the door for 5+ hours (they actually had to move their church service so everyone could pay their respects). The service included personal stories and songs from friends, and an honest and encouraging message from the pastor - just what I would hope to have someday, but much too soon for Drew. I was impressed by the strength and grace shown by Drew's immediate family. We will continue to pray for his wife and children especially.

Drew was most recently director of operations for the Yum! Center, the brand-new arena where the Louisville basketball team plays, among other notable acts (if you're a Nashvillian, think Bridgestone). After the funeral, his coworkers invited us for a behind-the-scenes tour of his "office." It was great to see all that he managed, but far better to see the admiration and love they felt for him. The employee who guided our tour spoke of Drew in the present tense the whole time. It's bittersweet to see how many people will remember and miss him. We will, too.