On a day when most people would find
themselves deciding on which parties
to attend or what costume to choose, the
Fox River Grove community instead joined
together for a final farewell after losing
one of their children. Decisions for a family
during impossible times can be extremely
difficult, especially
when it concerns services and a final
resting place for your child. Shock, depression,
helplessness and instability simply
overwhelm you when losing a loved one so unexpectedly.
One decision for the Glassmyer family became very clear. The service and final
farewells
for beloved Justin would be held on October
31. “ Halloween was his favorite holiday.”
noted Steve, Justin’s’ stepfather for 13
years. “This is what Justin would want.”
Through T.E.A.R.S., Terry Jacobsen
proprietor of The Norge Ski Club donated her
banquet facility for the ceremony.
Beginning at 12:00 pm mourners began pouring their way
through the cozy hall. A slide show of
Justin growing up was presented on a large screen.
An abundance of photos were put on display
near the fireplace. Flowers and their fragrance
overwhelmed the building. Poster boards
were scattered about with teens lined up
awaiting their opportunity to express their
thoughts. Visitors offered sympathy
while
supporting one another. While above the
fireplace centered atop the mantle lay a small,
modest, brown wooden box with red roses
gently caressing its sides. A large banner was
displayed, “Justin Glassmeyer’s A
Celebration of His Life”. Although
Justin’s life had
yet to truly begin, it became obvious at
the tender age of 15 this young man left his mark
on a community still reeling over the
tragedy. One by one piers spoke of his love for bikes,
video games and music. Others spoke of his high spirited nature and his
ability to turn a bad
day into a good day with his humor and
personality. Justin’s sister Heather choked back tears
when describing her relationship and love
for her brother. Parents Annette and Steve
sat calmly with mixed emotions throughout
what must have been a very long arduous day.
There was an unmistaken sense of
helplessness felt throughout the crowded room. Almost
a disbelief. How and why could this have happened, to this child ?, to this
family ? How
could this happen in the same town at the
same crossing that took seven of our children
11 years ago. We can only hope and pray
that there is a reason. We hope and pray that our
beloved Kristen has found Justin and
together they are a match made in heaven. A pair
with a plan, a purpose much larger than we
are able to comprehend.
At the family’s request the media
along with cameras were politely excused, but the
memories from this Halloween night
will remain etched in our minds forever.
Special Thanks to Terry Jacobsen and Tiffany
Grom from the Norge Ski Club, the
group
from Tuesdays Morning, Caroline Vellinga along with 3 Chefs Catering who
through
T.E.A.R.S. donated food and place settings.
A special thank you to Vito along with his
daughter Jody and the countless others that
offered love, help and support.