The World, The State, and Our Community lost an Angel while Heaven gained one. This is a profound loss for my wife and I, and a devastating loss for all. If anyone ever doubted the strength of a mother, we invite you to learn about Cathy and her devotion to her children, her community and the passion for causes dear to her heart. The love and beautiful gift that Tori shared with this world was immense. We mourn as a family and as a community for Her death and pray her Mother finds solace in the change and joy she brought to many.

My friends, this is a small world with technology, and an even smaller state. I had the honor of meeting Cathy through her work with the Brain injury association for over a decade. Wildly, the woman Id marry would also have a profound connection to Tori. My wife grew up with her from kindergarten on, for nearly 20 years would watch in awe as the dynamic duo fought tragedy, adversity and the loss of another child with grace and a strength we could only dream of. Who would have thought, the first time we saw Cathy as a couple we’d both know her for different reasons?

But that is how this amazing but chaotic world works. That is why we must take stock of EVERY decision we make and be sure it’s the best one. Because one mistake, one accident can send ripples through the whole universe. One too many drinks, one bad decision can permanently alter the trajectory of a family forever. We should have learned that years ago but it seems we are constantly mourning the same mistakes, as evidenced by recent losses to our community.

So as we mourn this great loss I ask all to take stock of their decisions. This is a perfect example of the ripple effect one persons actions can have on thousands of people. We are all together in this world and entwined in ways we don’t even know. Pause and think about that as often as possible.

In honor of a great girl and her amazing mother we will be closed Saturday morning to attend the services. We will collect donations for the foundation and announce a fundraiser soon. We will open Saturday at 1pm after paying our respects. God Bless you all.