16...

Last week there was a single car crash when a car veered off of the road, down an embankment, and into a tree.  The driver was 16 year old Matthew Robinson.  (Link to news story).  The driver was killed in the accident and his younger sister, the only passenger in the car, survived.  

These kind of accidents happen across America and sometimes come across the news you read.

These stories are sad to read when it happens hundreds of miles away from you.  

These stories are hard to take when it happens locally. 

These stories will change your world when it is someone you know. 

I have known Matt for more than six years as a Boy Scout and friend of my son.  I remember Matt preparing for some of his first camping trips wearing boots and packing snack cakes.  He didn't always have an easy time as he learned but he kept getting better and he didn't give up.  Matt had left scouting for a while but came back and was very active.  His friends in the troop rallied around him to help get him back up to speed.  

Matt was also working hard in his high school marching band and participated in his church youth group.  

At his funeral this past Saturday there were more young people than I have ever seen at a funeral.  Looking around, I could see that Matt had touched many lives in his short time here.  Funerals can be tough but they are so much tougher when it is for a child. 

The next time an accident like this comes across the news, no matter how far away, I'm going to be sure to slow down and ask a prayer for the family and friends of the victim.  They will need it. 

Matthew Christopher Robinson