Eron Hill Column: “Sleep in Peace Green Eyes”

December 24, 2014

Shawn Williams[Opinion column written by Eron Hill]

It’s so Hard to Say Goodbye To Yesterday! Death leaves a heartache no one can heal but love leaves a memory no one can steal. Those we love don’t go away. They walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

I write today to those who have lost love ones, and especially to the friends and family of 23 year old Shawn Williams who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident this past weekend. I cannot know the pain you feel. I cannot share your memories or your loss. My words of sympathy are beneath measure, yet know that my heart reaches out with love to your heart.

Over the past few days a lot of people I know have mourned the loss of Shawn. My heart has ached for each and every one of them. It pains my heart to see the angst and sadness in the faces of those who were close to him. I wasn’t close with Shawn and so I cannot even begin to imagine how his friends and family feel at this time. The pain of loss is a pain that cannot be explained. You only understand that type of pain if you have experienced it. There is a loneliness, emptiness, and hopelessness that controls your waking and sleeping hours.

The last time I saw Shawn was on Thursday at a Christmas party; and on Sunday morning I awoke to the news that he had passed.

Tomorrow is guaranteed to no one; not even to you and I. We must cherish every moment we have with our loved ones and always remember to tell them that we love them. A lesson we can all learn, is to always be open and straightforward with those that we love.

I love telling people that I love them and telling people they are absolutely appreciated and cared about. I love saying, You’re a good person,” and, “You brighten my day.” Because life is not guaranteed for any of us and I’d really rather not die or lose a loved one with our last words being some confusing statement or lack of clarity as to how I feel about them.

None of us want to look desperate. So we wait to respond to texts, phone calls, emails, Facebook messages, Tweets. So we communicate our emotions in our messages. So we say vague, half-statements and expect people to read our minds.

But what if we passed unexpectedly or one of loved ones did?

What if the last thing you ever texted that girl or guy was, “I don’t know, whenever,” when they asked when they could spend time with you, even though you really wanted to see them right now?

Maybe it’s weird. Maybe it’s scary. Maybe it seems overbearing—to just let people know you love and care for them all the time. I think however, it’s better to let them know while they are alive and can hear you say it.

I ask that everyone reading this to contact those who you love and let them know that you love them. Maybe it’s a text, maybe it’s a call, or maybe they’re right there beside you; but I ask you to let them know that they are loved. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed to any of us.

Remember the good times that you shared; because memories live on forever. Live the life that would make him proud. Coping with loss is a ultimately a deeply personal and singular experience — nobody can help you go through it more easily or understand all the emotions that you’re going through. However, please understand we are here for you to help comfort you through this process. The friends and family of Shawn are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

As Scripture says in Psalms 34:18 : “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” It is the prayer of my heart that you find comfort.

Shawn, during your time here on earth you touched the lives of many across the island. You will be dearly missed. Your memory lives on forever!

Sleep in Peace Green Eyes!

– Eron Hill

Category: All, Tributes