Too Young

It was June, 1992

I had just left the baseball diamond/playground that's next to the school. It was my first "date" with Kristen. I was 12 he was moving away the next day and it would be last time I would see him for several years. We sat in a swing together, he put his arm around me which I reprimanded him for. I mean that was moving WAY too fast for my liking....lol. Hey I was 12!!

Anyway...I had just left to walk "down around the point" to find my brother. I was allowed to be out later as long as I came home with him at his curfew.

I found him hanging out with his classmates, one being Myrna.

Myrna had a boyfriend, his name was Clayton.

That was the first time I met him. And what did he do? He gave me a compliment.

Yep, that's what he did, Clayton was a charmer :)

From that moment I was absolutely smitten. I went on then to spend most of Grade 7 with a huge crush on him (Kristen who? I kid, I kid) Which I'm pretty sure him and the whole school knew about. It was a small town.

A few years later I would go on a couple of dates with him but nothing serious. But that's what he did, he was a charmer. And I was smitten.

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This past Friday night I was told of the news of his passing.

Another young life taken tragically and quickly due to the Newfoundland winter roads.

I still haven't cried over the news.

I'm not sure if I'm in shock, denial or what it is but I do know that when I'm up at 3am for Jesse's feedings, it's all I think about.

I think about his poor mother who at one time changed her son's diapers like I'm changing Jesse's now. And all I think is no mother should ever lose a child. I never understood this statement as vividly as I do now.

I go back to bed after Jesse has dozed back off to dreamland and I can't sleep.

I think about the days of highschool when I knew Clayton. I haven't seen him for years, the last time being a softball game in Brampton.

And though a stranger to me now I was one of many girls that he charmed the socks off and will never forget him.

My condolences go out to his family...this cliche statement but a statement that is also true.

They are in my thoughts and in my prayers.

To his Mom....I can't even imagine the pain you may be feeling. But may God give you some peace in your heart that you find strength to go on.

Know that you raised a good man that was loved by many and he has you to thank for that.

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Check out Myrna's post about Clayton HERE

RIP Clayton :(