January 16, 2006
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We just received word a few hours ago that our son, Dustin, was killed in the line of duty in Iraq on Sunday, January 15.
We are in shock, of course, but we've received many phone calls and letters already and feel God's presence even in this tremendous loss. Right now, we are celebrating the life of our son and thanking God for the time he gave us with him. He was precious to our heart.
Comments (20)
Hey guys, I can't begin to tell you how sorry I am and how heartbroken I am about Dustin. I have so many fond and very funny memories of him. He was always smiling, and should we say shmoozing everyone. He and you all have brought me such joy. I miss you all and send you lots of hugs. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I know God will carry you through! He is always faithful!
Love, Carla
I don't know if y'all remember me from CROS but I just wanted to let y'all know you're in my thoughts and prayers.
--Sarah Guidroz
I didn't have chance to meet him, but he was part of my (our) family and I got to know him because you told me about Dustin all the time.
I just wanted to tell you that I am with you in my heart, right now!
I didn't really knew Him but, he was like my own Brother by your storyes what you shared with us! You all are in my heart right now! I love you!
BIG HUGS!
Dear Brandy, Penny, and family, just wanted to tell you that I will be praying for you. God bless you. I love you.
Anna
I just read the sad news from Darline. Your family will be in my prayers.
Kathy Gati
My name is Bobby. I work at the Bryant Church. I just wanted to let you know how deeply sorry I am for your loss. I was able to meet Dustin this past fall when he was here for a visit. We ate lunch together and he was an impressive young man. Please know that your family here at Bryant is lifting your family up to God and are here to do whatever it is we can do for you. Just let us know.
Brandi, Penny and Kayli - We were absolutely heartbroken when we heard the news about Dustin. We can't imagine how you're feeling right now, but want you to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. I know you will miss him terribly. Just hold on to all of the precious memories (and the smile), until you meet again in heaven. We love you all!
Ricky, Carol, Candice and Caleb Lambert
Where do I start? How do I say what is on my heart right now?? I am so sorry about Dustin.......
Dustin was such a neat kid that grew into an honorable man, one that volunteered to serve his country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. I remember when he enlisted and I told him how it takes a special person to do what he did and that I was proud of him and the committment he made. What a special person!! I will always remember his upbeat attitude, endless energy and the look in his eyes like he was always up to something.....good or bad was yet to be determined
When Jen called me last night and told me what had happened, I was in total shock....still am actually. I sat in my hotel room and thought of the time that I got to spend with him and what a blessing it was. I felt the need to grab my guitar and play a song in memory and honor to him. So I was looking through my music and found a Jim Croce song entitled "Time in a Bottle" that I thought was very appropriate and started working on it for the next hour, and will keep after it until it is memorized. I then played every Third Day song I knew....all with Dustin in mind. What a special person!!
My prayers are with you and may the Peace and Comfort that can only come from God be with you all!!
With much Love and Affection - Todd
Hey. I have no idea if you remember me from Pitman Creek, but this is Heather Barnett. Your family had a big part in my childhood during the time you spent there. (My parents are Larry and Diane Barnett) Dustin and the other kids all drift in and out of memory from time to time and i had no idea you were all in russia again. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
All His love,
Heather N. Barnett
I never met him..But I hope that I will see him in heaven one day and I can see his laughter and joy. Just like Kayli told to us: God is laughing right now with him,about his jokes..
You are my new family now and he was my brother!:)
Safe travel, I love you very much, big huggs,
Heidi
I am so sorry to hear about Dustin...if there is anything that I can possibly do for you while you are here in the states, please let me know. I'm heartbroken for you and you are all in my prayers.
Brandi, Kayli and Penny,
We just want to say how sorry we are for your loss. Our hearts are truly aching for you. I know there are not words to comfort you at this point but just know that we are praying for you now and in the days to come. May God wrap his arms around you and may you know that he is carrying you through. May you also feel the unending love of your Christian family. We love you very much and will be in contact very soon.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Love always,
Abe, Kristi, Dusty, Lori and Chelle
Dearest Brandi, Penny and Kayli. You have only been gone a few hours now. You have constantly been in my thoughts and prayers, and will continue to be so. I only wish I could have done something more for you guys.
I only wish that I had gotten to spend more time with Dustin as we got older, and had a chance to really get to know him. I know that we will have an eternity when we get to heaven. The more I hear about him, the more I like him, He left such a legacy on the hearts of those around him. He was truely an amazing guy.
I love you so much. If you ever need anything please let me know. I wish that I could be there to help in some way. Give my love to everyone.
~big hug~
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. -Psalm 139
Thinking of you, praying for you, missing you. You will be in my heart and in my every prayer. Give our love and hugs to all.
Love you, Deb
Janet and i want to add our thoughts and prayers are with you guys.. love you wayne and janet
Brandi, Penny, Kayli, Jared, Amber, Lacey, Courtney: you and your family are in my heart and my prayers. I can remember the fun times we spent together. We sang, played mexican train, ate, drank mulla-mulla and had a great time. I remember the time you called us and we came over and prayed over Dustin with Wayne when he told us that his heart was changed and he knew how much he loved the Lord and was really giving his life to Him. What a great night that was. I remember when he enlisted. Everything he did was with all his heart. He no longer has to prove anything. He has fought the good fight and won the battle. He always liked to win and be first. Well, this time he won the big one!!!He is with Jesus. He is sitting right now laughing about all of us. He is enjoying all the good things that are being said about him. Isn't that just like him. Well, he is waiting for his family to join him. Some day you will be with him and with all that have gone before. My heart is so heavy. It is not suppose to be this way. Parents are suppose to go first. But, not this time. God is faithful and He is in charge and for some reason Dustin is with Him and not here protecting us. He will not be forgotten. His smile will always be there. His laugh will ring in your ears and heart for ever. And, of course, you have the "Mini Me", Kayli to keep it going. Know that my prayers are with you and the kids. God is in control and He will never stop taking care of us. I assume that you will let us know when you know the details. I will celebrate Dustin's life with you. He was a blessing. love, Charlotte
I just wanted to say! I LOVE YOU! And you all are in my thoughts and prayers every single hour! Please give my love to everyone in your family! We will meet Him someday in Heaven! I miss you! I wish I could do something for you! If there is anything what I can do then just tell me=)
BIG HUG for everyone!
We love you all. We are praying everyday for each member of your family. I hope that you can feel God's love and comfort so many are sending your way. Special hugs and love to Kayli!
Love, Clint and Laura Holt
Brandi, Penny & Kayli, you have been in my thoughts and weighing on my heart so much today. I cannot even begin to imagine what you are going through right now. It just isn't right for you to have to bury your child. My heart just breaks for you. I just want you to know I love you guys very much and I loved Dustin too. He had the greatest smile and gave the best big ole bear hugs. I'm with Carla, he was definitely a schmoozer, but you couldn't help but love him all the more for it. Dustin had such a zest for life. He brings to mind Tim McGraw's song "Live Like You are Dying" because I believe that is just what he did. He lived each and every moment of every day to the absolute fullest. How many of us can say the same? I know you must be in so much pain right now, but my prayer for you is that this will ease with time and that you will be able to remember Dustin with smiles and laughter and not quite as many tears. I bet he is in heaven giving Jesus a run for his money right now and what stories he will have to tell you one day when you are together again.
I love y'all very much and hope to see you again some day. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.
Rhonda Dove
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