I have come to know some remarkable people since I started Buttons of Hope. One of them Becky Giblin called me this week to share another tragic story of loss...and life. As you may know Becky and Tom Giblin lost their young daughter Rachel a couple of years ago - she was killed while riding in a ms (multiple sclerosis) fundraising bike ride. As if that is not enough for one family...
Becky called because her son's good friend Corey Dunn died in a freak snorkeling accident over the Christmas holiday - Becky asked me to make buttons for Corey's memorial service. I have have come to know a few Moms who have lost their children and like Becky they have this indescribable strength to move forward (not on) just forward day by day and yet they too have the desire and the will to give back, to help others - the world is a much better place for people like Becky Giblin.
As with most buttons I make I did not know Corey Dunn (21) - but I have a son Ryan (18) so whenever I hear a story like Corey's it more than breaks my heart, more. I've said before that after making 100s of buttons looking at the picture I feel as though I get to know the person - I think it's the eyes. So when I read the amazing story of Corey's life/adventure today in the Charlotte Observer's Knowledge and Adventure Filled His Life I knew right away that was Corey! Please read the story I think you'll find a lot of hope in the words and memories of Corey's too short but BIG life. (You will find information on the Discovery Place Memorial in the Observer article.)
There is no way the memories alone can overcome the grief and sadness BUT with friends like Becky Giblin I am sure that Corey's family and friends will at some point be able to move forward (you never move on) cherishing an adventure well-lived. Godspeed, Corey Dunn.






