Hunter Himes a beautiful 15 year old child from the community of Darien, IL where I once lived was an amazing young boy. Hunter was riding his bike home from an afternoon of playing with friends when he was struck and badly injured by an SUV  truck back on February 26th, 2012 at that time he was 14 years old. He fought so bravely and valiantly to live for 11 months but God called him home on January 13th, 2013 for reasons only God knows but for what I believe was to spare Hunter and his family from a life of constant pain and anguish. Hunter was remarkable he was the most giving and generous of souls. He was a phenomenal Son, a loving Big Brother to sisters Chase and Calyn, adoring Nephew to his Aunts Uncles and a loving friend to his cousins, a devoted and loving Grandson.

Hunter loved AC/DC and took guitar lessons loved it so much he gave up study hall to take the lessons. He took pride in owning his Angus Young electric guitar. He liked to shop for clothes at the Goodwill and the morning of his accident he had been helping his Mom sort clothes to give to the Goodwill that is the kind of Son Hunter was thinking of others before himself, that is the kind of child all whom are parents hope to raise. Another story I hear about Hunter was how when at a fair he won tokens rather than picking a prize for himself he chose to get a ball for his little Sister again that’s the kind of person Hunter was and that’s the kind of Brother little Sisters hope to have Chase and Calyn had the best Brother friend in the world. Hunter loved football and was involved with the Downers Grove Panthers since he was 9 he was a talented athlete and that does not come as much of a surprise knowing and reading about the kind of things he did on and off the field. Hunter was a great friend to many and ts amazing to read all about him and learn things people probably did not know or might not of known about this remarkable teenager.

When a child dies, it is one of the hardest things in life to understand. We are looking into the tearful eyes of their parents we know that without divine help, we could not bear that pain. We think about a precious life snatched away before it was fully formed, like a flower snipped from the stem just as it was beginning to bloom. We question “Why” but only God knows the real answer to that question. But what I do know is that Hunter was a young boy that loved life, life loved Hunter. He loved to make people laugh, loved having friends and no matter what that sweet young boy had a smile that would light the world all the time, it was on going that smile.  I know that smile is lighting the heavens. He was the most unselfish teenager i have ever come across he put so many other people before himself always including his own family and that is a true testament to the way his parents were raising him.

If I can offer any peace or comfort to both his parents as its so hard words never come easy and people really do not know what to say I can offer you this. I have offered this to other parents who have sadly and recently lost a child and I believe in my heart for this to be true. Always remember the good times, their were many, always remember he loved you, he did, always remember that infectious smile, its in your heart beating. Remember that even though he is no longer physically with us he has never left you, he is in your heart and soul, when you look up to the heavens at night and you see the brightest star sparkling like diamonds in the sky that is Hunter winking at you saying “Hey Mom & Dad don’t worry I am doing great, you taught me that” when you see a rainbow after a storm that is Hunter telling you “Thank you for calming my fears and keeping me safe for seeing the beauty in me through my eyes” When you hear the rain that is Hunter telling you “Hey Mom, Dad please don’t cry you gave me the best of everything, you gave me the best thing a boy ever needed a family” celebrate his life for their is much for you to celebrate and know that one day you will see him again and what an occasion that will be.

Hunter, thank you so much for touching me, our community and all those who knew and even those that did not know you personally but only through pictures, story’s it is an honor, privilege to know, learn about and love you. You have taught us all about fighting staying strong and we will honor your memory every day. My Foundation is called the “Warriors” Hunter you were perhaps the bravest Warrior of all. This is a favorite song of mine sung by a now 9 year old Gospel Singer I hope it brings comfort.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDDlxmsciqY

From my own family and our foundations family we want to extend our deepest condolences to Hunter’s entire family during this most difficult of times. We love you and your in our thoughts and prayers as is Hunter.  Gone but never forgotten. God of light thank you for helping to guide us out of the darkness of pain and grief that occurred after the loss of our beautiful children. Now that they are gone every single memory is both precious and holy. Bless each memory we have of our children so that they will continue to live on in our hearts and minds forever.”  Hope for Hunter such an appropriate name because Hunter you were Hope for so many whose lives you touched in ways you probably did not even realize. A gift and a blessing you are and and I encourage everyone to somehow pay it forward in life and encourage and give Hope to others for Hunter and in Honor of Hunter.

“WHEN GOD CALLS LITTLE CHILDREN”

When God calls little children
to dwell with him above,
We mortals sometime question
the wisdom of his love
For no heartache compares with
the death of one small child
Who does so much to make our world,
seem wonderful and mild
Perhaps God tires of calling
the aged to his fold,
So He picks a rosebud,
before he can grow old.
God knows how much we need them,
and so he takes but a few
To make the land of Heaven
more beautiful to view.
Believing this is difficult still
somehow we must try,
The saddest word mankind knows will always be “Goodbye.”
So when a little child departs
we who are left behind
Must realize God loves children,
Angels are hard to find