Another Memory to Share About Dustin
By CarolDM
@CarolDM (203454)
Nashville, Tennessee
November 17, 2022 5:22pm CST
Many of you have asked a lot of questions about my son, Dustin. And you have gently reminded me how I should share some memories. I have to be in the mood to do that. So here goes.
Yesterday as I was conversing with @Juliaacv I was instantly reminded of a memory. Funny how certain triggers (good and bad) can take us back to a moment.
Dustin loved football. And he loved snow. He taught me how to throw and catch the football. Fun times of course. This photo was snapped quickly while we were out in the snow on an occasion doing just that. He was throwing the football back and forth to me. I caught it most times. A few times I found myself in the snow. He would laugh so hard.
I can hear him laughing now as I type. I would kid him about throwing bullets (which means throwing the football very fast) like his football favorite, Brett Favre used to do. He loved it when I told him that. But it was true, I often had marks on my hands from catching his throws. I will always remember these times in the yard, just having fun.
So very happy his friend managed to get this photo. Even though he told me most of the time that I threw the football like a girl, he also told me I was pretty good. Another memory I will never forget. You can't see it but he has a smile here. He also had on three layers of clothes to stay warm. He hated to wear a jacket, so he layered his clothes. Funny, he would walk side to side like a robot when he had so many clothes on to make me laugh. Such a jokester.
Memories, smiles, laughter, all etched into my brain and heart forever.
Photo is mine. He was 15 here. And was 16 when I lost him forever.
39 people like this
39 responses
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
17 Nov 22
A wonderful memory... and yes, we can see his smile in this photo. 
7 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137145)
• United States
17 Nov 22
@CarolDM You're very welcome. You didn't have Dustin nearly long enough. 
6 people like this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
18 Nov 22
@DaddyEvil I know. And life is so unfair at times. I will never understand. I am left with no answers. Only questions.
6 people like this
@snowy22315 (169653)
• United States
17 Nov 22
That is a sweet memory to treasure. He looks happy there.
6 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (86520)
• United States
18 Nov 22
I can clearly see him smiling Carol. Thank you for sharing your memories with us. Precious RIP Lovely Lad Dustin This photo captured Dustin's radiance.
This photo captured Dustin's radiance.5 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (86520)
• United States
18 Nov 22
@CarolDM Somehow, I can also hear him laughing. As I say, his light and radiance is clear to me.
As I say, his light and radiance is clear to me.3 people like this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
18 Nov 22
@RebeccasFarm You are so very kind to be so supportive. It helps more than you know. He was so happy. His friends thought the world of him.
3 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (36399)
• Toccoa, Georgia
17 Nov 22
I'm glad you have this sweet photo and memory
5 people like this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
17 Nov 22
I'm glad you still have such fond memories of Dustin. Always keep those good memories alive in honor of him. And thanks for sharing, I'm sure it can be emotional for you to do so.
5 people like this
@moffittjc (118368)
• Gainesville, Florida
17 Nov 22
@CarolDM It's understandable that you will have emotional days. It's not fair what life has given you, but I admire your strength and courage to carry on in Dustin's honor. He would be so proud of you!
3 people like this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
18 Nov 22
@moffittjc Thank you so much for your kind words.
3 people like this
@oahuwriter (26780)
• United States
18 Nov 22
Nice memory! Yes, I understand for when I watch TV shows, it reminds me at times of treasured memories.
3 people like this
@oahuwriter (26780)
• United States
19 Nov 22
@CarolDM
Oh yes, it's like reminding us, don't be sad.
1 person likes this
@Tina30219 (81539)
• Onaway, Michigan
18 Nov 22
Sorry for your loss I know all about losing a child I lost a baby at 17 days old of heart issues.
2 people like this
@Tina30219 (81539)
• Onaway, Michigan
18 Nov 22
@CarolDM Yeah he has been gone 23 years now.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (73241)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
18 Nov 22
It is wonderful to have so many memories. He had a lovely smile, I still need to go through the many photos saved from Latvia but I know that each photo will bring back a memory. Virtual hugs to you.
3 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (94310)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
17 Nov 22
I know how it feels sharing memories of a relative who is no longer alive.
3 people like this
@Deepizzaguy (94310)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
18 Nov 22
@CarolDM You are welcome.
1 person likes this
@Shiva49 (26192)
• Singapore
18 Nov 22
Memories will not die.
I can only imagine how you feel after losing him forever at such a young age.
Memories of those who touched my life live on.
In fact, I think more about those who are gone.
I often feel their presence as if they are still part of my life.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28250)
•
18 Nov 22
I know Dustin is in your heart always. I am so, so glad you have this memory as well as other nice ones. Thank you for sharing as I know it can be very difficult.
3 people like this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
18 Nov 22
@MarieCoyle You have no idea Marie. I sound like the grinch at Christmas but it just is what it is. I lost him in December (years ago). Things will never be the same. But I try really hard to let others know I want them to be happy.
3 people like this
@MarieCoyle (28250)
•
18 Nov 22
@CarolDM
I understand, sometimes the mood isn't right to share feelings. I know it has to be so hard.
3 people like this
@Juliaacv (48272)
• Canada
18 Nov 22
@CarolDM Our son went thru a phase where he did not want to wear a winter coat, and we live in Canada. He used to freeze. I never pushed him, and one day he asked me if I would take him shopping.
He picked out a nice lined corduroy jacket. It was warm, and it was his choice so I bought it and that was the end of him not wearing a winter jacket.
We are both so very blessed to have such wonderful and precious memories of our little guys.
2 people like this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
18 Nov 22
Absolutely a favorite photo right here. No matter the quality of the photo, I hear him laugh when I look at this one. He hated a jacket. He would walk side to side like a robot when he had so many clothes on. Such a jokester. I thought of this yesterday when we were talking about getting ready for the cold.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (94806)
• Marion, Ohio
18 Nov 22
I can see the smile. Enjoy those good memories.
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (79592)
• United States
18 Nov 22
What a wonderful photo of Dustin and thank you for sharing it with us. I can see his big smile and he looks like he's having a great time. What a blessing to have this photo and the wonderful memories that day brings back to you.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (155562)
• United States
18 Nov 22
Thank you so much, Carol, for sharing some of the good times with us. Dustin was a handsome young man and having a good time in this picture. Please know that we are all here to support you whenever you need us.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (155562)
• United States
19 Nov 22
@CarolDM I can't imagine how hard it is for you; but I'm glad you can remember the good times.
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203454)
• Nashville, Tennessee
19 Nov 22
@LindaOHio Those good times are what keep me going every day. Smiles and tears go hand in hand.
1 person likes this
