Eulogy:

Who was Dylon Thomas Risinger?  For the sake of some, perhaps I should begin by saying who he wasn't.  If you remember Dylon as a little cripple boy who was a burden to his family, then you didn't really know Dylon and you don't really know his family.  To this family Dylon was simply no  more or less than their beloved little boy.  He was their pride and joy.  Their blessing from God.  Their own little piece of heaven.  He was their world. You've probably all heard the expression, "He's not heavy, he's my brother."  By their actions, by their love and compassion and tenderness and patience and hope, and constant vigil over this child, this family consistently said, "He's no burden, he's our little boy."

POEM:  "Heaven's Very Special Child"

So then who was Dylon Risinger?  He was a happy, 6 year old little boy.  A little boy whose greatest pleasures in life were Winnie the Pooh, music, and the ones who loved and cared for him.

Dylon didn't care much for TV, but there was something about the original Winnie the Pooh movie that captured his attention. Perhaps if we all slowed down a little and took time to enjoy the antics of a silly ole bear and his friends, we'd find what it was that captivated the heart and mind of this little boy.

Dylon also loved those that loved and cared for him.  He had his own special ways of expressing his feelings . . . An easiness that said, "I trust you."  A bright smile that said, "I'm glad you are here."  A special laughter that said, "Thank you for being my friend."  Like all children, he had a way of bringing out the kid in all of us; making those around him do the craziest things to entertain him.  From patting the floor mats in physical therapy, to one therapist who admits to opening and closing a cabinet door for entire sessions because the funny squeaking sound made him laugh.

Like all 6 year old little boys, Dylon had his favorite toys.  And all of his favorites expressed his love of music.  When birthdays and Christmas came around, anyone that knew Dylon knew that if their gift were going to get any "kid time" it'd better play music. His favorite was a music box that played one of several songs at the push of a large button in the shape of a music note.  He knew every song and the last note of each one.  He listened patiently to the song until the last few notes when he'd start reaching for the button with perfect timing so the first note of the next song picked up right behind the final note of the previous one.  He was also discerning in his musical tastes.  When a song began he didn't like or wasn't in the mood for, he'd push the button to get the next one in line.  (Maybe channel surfing is an innate guy thing.)

When it was time to sleep, Dylon found comfort in music.  With his walkman pressed against his ear, Dylon peacefully drifted off to sleep.  And So it was on Friday, April 28.  With his walkman, equipped with brand new batteries, pressed to his ear, Dylon fought his final battle in this life.  But as the hospital diagnostic machines reported his fading condition, mysteriously the life faded from his walkman, stopping and starting, then dragging slower and slower.  As Dylon took his last breath and slipped through the portals of this life into heaven, his walkman simultaneously played its last notes.  Coincidence?  Perhaps.  Or perhaps God was telling his family that Dylon no longer needed his walkman for comfort because he was now comforted in the loving arms of Almighty God himself, not only listening to, but joining in the singing with the very choirs of heaven.

Recognition of Therapists:

Yes, Jesus does love the little children.  And one of the many ways that Jesus loved Dylon was through some very special ladies. Dylon, began therapy at the age of 13 months.  For the last five years, these ladies have poured their lives into Dylon.  And he was but, one of many of the children they serve.  Scripture tells us that God is like a potter and we are but lumps of clay.  Following that analogy, in the lives of the children they work with, these ladies are tools in the potter's hands.  They do what they do, not because it is a job, but because it is a calling.  They were very special to Dylon and a constant source of encouragement and comfort to his family.  They are not only therapists, but close and cherished friends.  Dylon's family wants to recognize these ladies publicly as an expression of their deepest gratitude.   

Kathy Jackson, Physical Therapy

Jo Benton, assistant to Mrs. Jackson

Gena Wilkerson, Speech Therapy

Stephanie McDoguld, Occupational Therapy

Donna Carter, Occupational Therapy

Dylon also started kindergarten in August of 1999.  Dylon was only in class a few hours a day, but in the short time they had together, this newest teacher was also becoming special.  Her love for Dylon, as for all of her students, has not gone unnoticed.  So, Dylon's family likewise wanted to express their appreciation to his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Janet Tribble.

Message:

Perhaps the biggest question in the hearts and minds and maybe even on the lips of those present today is, "Why?"  "Why did God create Dylon the way he did?"  "Why did God not chose to heal him?"  "Why did God call for him so soon?"  Some would say those questions are inappropriate and even border on blasphemy.  However, I disagree.  In fact, for those of you who have not asked the question, I encourage you to ask . . . "Why?"  Not to question God's sovereign authority, but to understand his working. 

In Jeremiah 29:11 - 13 we read:

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the  Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an  expected end.  Then shall you call upon me, and you shall go  and pray unto me, and I will listen unto you.  And you shall  seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all  your heart.

Deuteronomy 4:29 tells us if we seek the Lord our God, we shall find him, if we seek him with all our heart and soul. 

In Psalms 9: 9 & 10 we read:

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge  in times of trouble.  And they that know thy name will put  their trust in thee:  for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them  that seek thee.

I know God does nothing for no reason.  So I encourage you to seek God's face with the question "Why?"  "God, why?  What is it you are trying to accomplish in and through me with this situation?"  And because God is not obligated to work within the confines of human thought and wisdom, He can teach a multitude of lessons through the same event.  I believe when all who seek God's face have heard from God, many people will get different answers from the same God to the same question, "Why?"

Like many of you I have asked that question.  And I have come to see Dylon, not as a little cripple boy, but as a great teacher in the hands of an Almighty God.  Let me share with you some of the lessons I believe God would have us to learn from Dylon.

Through Dylon's persistent happiness, I think God would have us learn that just as his word says, we can have joy in the midst of adversity.  Through Dylon we are also taught that our situation, though oppressive by the world's standards, does not have to prevent us form being a source of joy and comfort to those whose lives we touch.  He taught us to love heartily, unselfishly, unconditionally.  He showed us a love not limited by jealousy or envy or prejudice.  By watching those who cared for Dylon, we learn that, contrary to what the world teaches, there is joy and satisfaction in meeting some one else's needs while expecting nothing in return.  Dylon left us an example of innocence.  The trust and faith that Dylon had for his family and those that cared for him is a model of the trust and faith we are to have in God.  Even to the point of putting our very life in his hands.  Many learned through his life and many more will learn through his death that God's grace is sufficient and that God can truly granta peace that is greater than even understanding.  But the greatest lesson Dylon has to teach is one that we dare not miss. Through his short life we are reminded of the brevity of life and the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, NOW. Scripture tells us that life is but a vapor.  It's here and then it's gone.  On April 28th, the breath of God blew.  The vapor that was Dylon's life, dissipated.  And Dylon passed from this world into eternity with the Lord.  Let me ask.  Search your own hearts.  If the last breath you took were truly your last breath, do you know for sure that you'd join Dylon in the presence of Almighty, Holy God.

Could one so young be such a great teacher?  Could one so young really accomplish so much?  Perhaps ONLY one so young could.  Oh that your life and my life would amount to so much.

So I encourage you to seek God's face with the question, "Why?"
Family Address:

Randall, Amy and to all of Dylon's family, we have come here today not only to memorialize Dylon and celebrate his life but also to show our love and support for you.  On behalf of those gathered here, our hearts go out to you.  You have our deepest and sincerest sympathy in the death of your son.  We will keep you in our thoughts and our prayers.  Dylon's death brings sorrow, disappointment and grief.  And you above all people may ask a thousand times "Why?"  I pray as you seek his face, that God will pour out upon you his all sufficient grace and his peace that is greater even than understanding.

Let me assure you upon the word of God, that Dylon is now in heaven.  He is in a state of perfect health, perfect joy, and perfect peace.  And for those of us who know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, while this may be a grievous time, we don't grieve as those that have no hope.  Because, for those that know Christ, we are promised, in God's word, a great reunion.  For those in Christ, this is not an eternal good bye, but "good night little one, I'll see you in the morning."  Scripture, says that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.  Heaven now holds one of life's greatest treasures.  May through his life and death, Dylon draw many to God.

ORDER OF SERVICE:

Prelude Music:  Sunday School Songs

Obituary:  Virgil Scott

Prayer:  Virgil Scott

Song:  Old Time Religion (#8)

Eulogy:  Kevin Holmes

Song:  Jesus Loves the Little Children (#5)

Recognition of Therapists:

Song:  Do Lord  (#15)

Message:  Kevin Holmes

Family Address:  Kevin Holmes

Postlude Music:  Sunday School Songs