The Stranger in Line

We held Coulter’s Celebration of Life at the church where he attended youth group.

Planning your child’s memorial is something no parent should ever have to do. There is so much to do when you can barely breathe, and even rational thought is hard.

I remember wondering whether anyone would come: “What if that big auditorium was empty when we said goodbye to our precious son?” I knew it wouldn't change who Coulter was, but it would hurt if no one came to remember him.

Instead, the auditorium was filled. I was told nearly 400 people came, some from across the country. Most we knew. Others we had never met, but they knew Coulter.

As we stood outside hugging people and thanking them, I noticed a man I didn’t know waiting to speak with me. More than 15 minutes passed before I could finally greet him.

That night is a blur, and unfortunately, I don't remember his name. I think he said he was a security guard at Coulter’s high school.

With tears in his eyes, he told me what a wonderful young man Coulter was. He shared that Coulter had written him a letter thanking him for his service at the school.

I don't know exactly what Coulter wrote. But it meant enough that this man came to his memorial and patiently waited to tell a grieving father what his son’s words meant to him.

I asked Coulter’s closest friends if they knew about the letter. He never mentioned it to them, or to us.

Coulter chose to quietly show kindness to someone who may have needed it. And this man, who owed us nothing, chose to do the same for us.

Coulter couldn’t have known that his words would one day return to encourage his father after he was gone.

Jesus taught us to let our light shine so that others might see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. Coulter's kindness was a reflection of the goodness of his Heavenly Father. That evening, I saw that light reflected back through a stranger.

Never underestimate the power of kindness, or how far its light might travel.

You Are Loved More Than You Know.

Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Mat 5:16

#coulterslight #suicideprevention #suicideawareness