From Kim Morrisette

Dylan,
My heart still aches when I think about what happened on April 22, 2011. I remember the phone call informing me of the wreck and the plea to pray for you and your mama. I prayed for you both throughout the rest of that day and into the early hours of the morning. With sobs and tears I laid on my bed and waited for the phone to ring with an update. I gave praise to the Lord that your mama, Tonya, was a follower of Christ and that regardless of what happened she would be safe in His arms. As I waited and prayed memories flooded my mind. The memories that I have of your mama are surrounded by her love of Christ, her love for others and the JOY that filled your home because of His redeeming love.

The first time I met y'all was when our church was meeting in the BCM. Your uncle Jason was leading worship that morning and y'all came to Integrity to visit since he and Beth were there. I knew your aunt and uncle from high school so there was an instant connection. They introduced me to Tonya and we hit it off right away. Y'all started coming to our life group and I LOVED getting to know her. She was such a fun woman and she wasn't afraid to share her story with others. She was hungry to study God's word and to grow. We started spending time with y'all outside of church and my kids loved both of you. Caleb has always loved playing with you and you were so kind and gracious to enjoy him even though he was almost three years younger. Tonya was like an aunt to Lydia and often times I thought of her like my own sister. Lydia affectionately referred to as "Tonja" and I think she secretly liked it:) Your mama loved Lydia to pieces. Lydia still tells me a few times a week that she misses Tonya and wishes she could give her another hug. Your mama and I had some of the best conversations that girlfriends could have . . . not just about clothes, photography or cooking. We talked about our relationships with Christ and our desire to live to honor Him daily in the midst of life. She loved you second only to Jesus and her heart longed to honor Him as she raised you.

We did both enjoy photography and going out to shoot together. She always had a natural eye with the camera and you were her favorite subject to photograph. I remember going to Sundays in the Park which were always fun no matter who was playing. I remember going on a girl date with her and Lydia while you, Caleb, Craig and Jake went to an ECU football game. I remember spending one New Year's Eve with her and Heidi Bell. We went to the Hilton to hear Matt's band ring in the New Year. We laughed alot together that night. You and my kids stayed at our house with my mama. We had a sleepover that night and enjoyed a slow morning together the next day. I will never forget the Christmas party two years ago for Integrity Church. Your mama and I sang karaoke and we were both scared to death! We sang "Lean on Me". We sang it loud and we sang it proud . . . and we both had fun doing it. It was the perfect song for our friendship at that time. We also had a Christmas baking night at my house that year. Remember that? Y'all were on your way here and your car ran out of gas? I had to come and bring you our gas can so you could make it to the gas station. We laughed so hard after it happened. You and my kids helped roll the peanut butter balls and dipped them in chocolate. It was a MESS but they sure were delicious. We also made Christmas cookies, peppermint bark, oreo balls and the list goes on. Your mama was always an awesome cook! She made the B.E.S.T. baked spaghetti I've ever tasted. I think it's the cup of sugar she added to the sauce;) One of my favorite memories of you and your mama was last summer when my dad was really sick. After a very long day at work y'all went to visit him at the hospital. She said y'all had a good time with him. She went a second day that week on her lunch break to visit. It meant the world to me. I didn't ask anyone to go and visit him - y'all just did it because you loved me. I'm crying now as I think back to the many acts of love and service that your mama gave to others. They were often quiet acts that were not done for show or recognition. Her heart genuinely loved others and wanted to serve them. I learned a lot by watching her sacrifice personal time and energy in the midst of being a single mom. I miss her dearly and wish we could have had one last conversation. Your mom was a special friend in my life. I loved her and I love you. I know that you admired her and will always think back on the many wonderful times you had together - just the two of you. May you always be drawn back to her love for Jesus and seek to know Him the way she did. I'll pray for you for years to come and I can't wait to hear where you are and what you are doing twenty years from now. If you're ever in Greenville and want a hot meal, a warm bed or some family time - please remember Kim and Craig Morrisette. We love you!