A loving tribute to Levi DeGon
My son Levi died in a tragic car accident four years ago. My life was changed in so many ways. The night before his accident, we went to put gas in his new car, and when we said "I love you," we had no idea it was the last words we would ever speak to each other. The next afternoon, Levi was on life support, fighting for his life. I could have become angry at God, blaming him for the accident - I chose instead to trust in God. He walked me through the darkest days of my life. The hardest thing I ever had to do was to withdraw my son's life support. From that day on, God has helped me to keep moving forward in the good things He still has for my life. I feel blessed. I had the awesome privilege to be able to raise a fine son even if for a little while.
We lost Levi's dad to diabetes when Levi was young. As a young widowed mother, I had the awesome responsibility to raise my son. I taught Levi to be a man of his word. When Levi was 6 years old, he learned a valuable lesson. His grandpa invited him to go fishing with him, but Levi's friend asked Levi to go to McDonald's with him instead. I told Levi he would hurt his grandpa's feelings if he chose to go with his friend instead. Levi had a good fishing trip with grandpa. When Levi became a teen, he stayed with his Grandpa and helped Grandma when his Grandpa became ill with cancer.
About this time, Levi moved out of the house to help take care of his Grandmother. He told my mom, "I will take care of you grandma." I laugh at the thought. Grandma meant what she said "The doors lock at 10 p.m." Levi would be at his friend's house and call at 9:59 p.m. "I am on my way home grandma, please don't lock me out." It was even funnier when his friend would call Grandma and say that Levi was on his way home. Grandma kept him honest.
I was honored when my son laid my carpet in my house for me. For one, it was a treat to have new carpeting, and two, to have your son help lay it. I have turned his old room into my dressing room since his death. I love to get dressed in his room every morning and put on pajamas every evening. I have such good memories of the son I love and miss dearly.
God is a loving God who has taken good care of me these past four years. I am healing more everyday. I look forward to what He has for my life. My life can only get better. I am glad that I have great memories of raising my son, the best gift God could ever have given to me.
People will never forget you, Levi. The stories they share about your life, your spirit, your laughter, your mischievous smile. I miss seeing you drive around in your car. I miss hearing your voice. I miss your funny sayings. And most of all, I miss the fine young man you became. I love you.