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 Yesterday I received a phone call that a young boy I used to tutor passed away. His name was Travis. He was such beautiful young boy.
He was born addicted to drugs, and was abused as an infant. Eventually he was adopted by a wonderful family. We met Travis on Hannah's first day of Kindergarten. Hannah was in the Special Day Class at this time. Hannah didn't want to leave at noon, and she was crying each step of the way. She was surrounded by Cherice, a darling girl with coke bottle glasses and a killer smile; Matthew, a little boy who just couldn't seem to make the connections to learn; Cindy, a little downs syndrome girl; and Travis, a legally blind little boy with very crossed eyes who wouldn't stop stroking Hannah's cheek saying, "It's okay, Hannah, don't cry."
The next year, Bill Tindula, the SDC teacher, asked me if I'd be willing to tutor Travis in reading and math. I was already room mom for the class, so I'd known him. I jumped at the chance. Four days a week I'd go and work with Travis for an hour each day. He was sweet, funny and loving.
It's not fair. He died of an asthma attack in his sleep.
We just got home from the funeral. It's strange. I cried more at Travis' funeral than any funeral I've attended, including my grama's. Maybe it's because he was so young; maybe it's because his life seemed so unfair.
The funeral was really beautiful. The singers were amazing, and it was truly touching. As the speakers showed, although Travis' life had a horrible beginning, he never let that stop him. He was legally blind, but he could see peripherally. He rode a bike (in his driveway). He played basketball (ON A TEAM!) He played soccer (ON A TEAM!) He loved to laugh. He loved to tease his sisters.
He was loved by so many, and he made a difference in so many people's lives. So many people stood up to speak about him. He inspired so many people to see their own lives with new eyes.
These past years, his disabilities and limitations made his life much harder. He was coming to realize all that he would not have in his life. When his sister talked about him, she commented on how these next years would have been even harder. She honestly believes that God took Travis so that all that he could not do...he could.
As most young men do, Travis wanted to drive. This, of course, was an impossibility for him. He was really upset about this particular limitation. For Christmas, his family played a game with conversation starters. Travis drew one that read, "What does Jesus mean to you?"
Without missing a beat, he said, "Jesus means I can drive!"
So today, Travis IS driving. Today, he can see and today he can think and do math and not hurt anymore. He can run without being awkward. He is whole.
Goodbye, Sweet Beautiful Travis. |
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Renee, that was such a beautiful eulogy you wrote.  May God grant comfort to all who loved him ....sending prayers.. |
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Renee....what a beautiful tribute to Travis....I'm sure he is in heaven looking down on you with love!  |
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