"Brothers, what we do in life, echoes in eternity." -Maximus in Gladiator
It was heartbreaking to receive Liz Walton's email yesterday informing us of Clint's Layton's death. While I only know Clint through his marriage to Kelly Walton, I've been touched and impressed watching their little family endure this trial. They've stayed strong in their core beliefs. Clint fought the good fight!
While our thoughts and prayers just ache for Kelly and her two darling daughters, I'm also acutely aware of Clint's parents who are grieving over the death of their son. I don't know Dave and Kathy Layton but I received an email they sent to family and friends. Their perspective and faith inspires me so I wanted to quote some of their comments:
"March 17, 2009, Clint was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Early this morning with his loving companion Kelly by his side, he slipped to the other side. Clint fought a very courageous battle with the cancer and remained spiritually strong and positive to the end.
This is very difficult, a parent is not supposed to bury their child, and we understand some of you may have already experienced this horrible ordeal. But, life does go on and so will we!
Both Kathy and I are very grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and our knowledge of the Resurrection. We are grateful for the gift of the Atonement knowing all things are possible through the love of our Savior Jesus Christ, we as a family take comfort in that and knowing we will be with Clint again.
The miracle we were all praying for was realized to our family yesterday in that so many individual lives have been touched by Clint's example of courage and faith. So many individuals have shared in this experience of love and coming together, he has made us better individuals." -Dave & Kathy Layton
The peace that the gospel can bring us during really hard times seems quite miraculous!
