Scott lived as a young man of exceptional talent and passion.
  With a quiet strength he succeeded in taking these gifts to a
  limit beyond the boundaries of his few years.

  As his father the torment and grief over Scott's death - the
  ripping away of his immediate presence - has become an abiding
  sorrow for the loss of his might-have-been future.

  Perhaps you today are a parent with children that are not that
  far from 20 - both the number of years Scott ever lived, and
  the number of years ago that he left us for the life beyond.

  His short life and sudden death tragically shows that life can
  move in seemingly random and sometimes horrible lurches.  But
  more often it flees from us in small steps without our even
  noticing, much less with any forewarning.

  Those of you with very young children will never realize the
  moment when some of the most beautiful things pass away
  forever.  Will it be today or tomorrow that you carry your
  sleeping child in from the car for the last time  - or was it
  yesterday?

  I remember only a few of the "last times" for Scott and me: the
  last time I saw him; the last time I spoke with him.  But I
  confess that I do not remember the last time I told him I loved him.

  I'm sorry, Scott, and I do love you.   Can you hear me now?

  Dad
  Friday, May 30, 2003