19, previously stationed with the 2nd HET 360th Transportation Company at Fort Carson in Colorado, died unexpectedly Tuesday, June 30, 2009, due to injuries suffered in a motor vehicle accident. Dustin was born December 1, 1989, to Fred and Catherine (Fuller) Small.
Dustin was a young man full of life, love, fun, and adventure: a person who was always there to give, and rare to take. In the spirit of helping others, Dustin wished to be an organ/tissue donor. Due to the severity of Dustin’s injuries, donation was not an option.
To honor her son, Dustin’s mother, Catherine Nelson, with the help of Henry Stratton, Derrick and Kimberly Small, retrieved this stone from the corner of the foundation of the old family homestead in Palmyra, Maine.
Watch this video to learn what this stone says about PVT Dustin Small and what you need to know about Dustin if you accept the challenge to honor and sustain his memory by carrying his stone and his story as part of The Summit Project. MHANF.
24 Comments
May this hero rest in peace and I salute him. This hero has a new mission guarding the gates of heaven. Wearing that uniform says a lot about your character and what type of man you are. You will never be forgotten and when ever I see that uniform. I will remember you and all the other men and women who weren’t afraid to put that uniform on. It takes great courage knowing your willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for your country. Until we meet at the gates of heaven soldier.
MSG Tim Gunst
To the family of Army PVT Dustin R. F. Small,
My sincerest condolences on your son passing. As a proud member of the Patriot Riders of America – Chapter 3, yesterday, I had the distinct honor of carrying your sons heart shaped stone from Portland to Millinocket, Maine where it made it safely to Twin Pines.
While reading your story, it seems there are a few similarities between us. My children and I lived in Colorado Springs for 11 years, my daughter Jessica was in the Army and stationed at Ft. Carson in another transportation squadron. I moved back to Maine back in 2012 to be close to my family who has lived here for many generations and Jessica has moved here after retiring from the Army.
I hope this letter finds you well and know that the stone was in very good hands today.
Letitia LaVerdiere
Tony Mason
5/27/15
After Hike Memorandum
The 2015 Summit Project was one of the most inspiring events to ever transpire in my life. The bonds of camaraderie between the hikers, RBE staff, surviving families, and the Fallen never showed any weakness. In front of my eyes I saw the legacies of nearly one hundred fallen soldiers come alive through the speech of family and friends. Never have I been so moved by the friendships made and the welcoming embraced had by all. The following testimony is real proof of the effectiveness that The Summit Project has on everyone it involves.
Being my first time being involved with The Summit Project, herein called TSP, I had no idea what to expect. I had expected to be all alone the whole weekend, except for the hike, and did not expect to make any friends. Oh how I was wrong. The very second I arrived there everyone was immediately welcoming and friendly, taking off a huge burden that I had been worrying about. I remember standing in line waiting for the stones to be handed off by the Patriot Riders and David Cote came by and greeted everyone with a handshake and a hug, definitely a surprise. This was preceded by my team leader, Morgan Anderson, personally finding the rest of my team and introducing me with grace. Everyone treated me with such a respect that only a family could have. We were later called into the rec hall to be issued our stones and to be given the final briefing of the hike plan.
I was assigned the duty of guarding the stone of Private Dustin R.F. Small from Palmyra, Maine. Dustin was a U.S. Army soldier assigned to the 2nd HET, 360th Transportation Company; a truly rigorous job. He was injured in a vehicle accident and died from sustained injuries Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at nineteen years of age. Dustin was a man who believed in his mission and his duty. He made a promise to his country and he kept that promise until the day he died. I find several similarities between Dustin and I, the biggest being his love and eagerness for adventure. I felt a deep personal connection with Dustin because of his youth. He was fresh out of high school and fresh out of boot camp and the famous saying only the good die young fits this situation very well.
I was also tasked with carrying the Service stone and explaining and its meaning. I had about sixteen hours to come up with a proper speech, yet I didn’t say anything I had prepared when the time came to present. The main theme that I came across was that every soldier enters battle with the ethos that what they do is so others can live a peaceful life without ever having the worry of being threatened. Beginning this speech I quoted the Air Force Pararescue motto “This we do that others may live,” and I opened up about how I truly felt about every serviceman and woman that has died.
It seemed to me that a lot of people were somehow connected through being friends with the Fallen or the families of the Fallen, I even saw a brother and wife. I didn’t exactly have that connection, instead I had a different viewing. After hearing the stories of the fallen soldiers I have rethought the reason of why I joined the U.S. Army as a combat medic. At first I thought I’d do it just to save a couple lives, but this isn’t the only reason. As the stones started to cover the tables I watched the expressions and faces as they look at the stones of their relatives. I’ve talked to a lot of people about the service and some of them don’t get why I want to do it. Someday there is going to be a father who comes back from overseas and gets to see his family again. Someday we won’t have to see stones with a countless amount of names and dates written into them. Someday I won’t have to look at a wife or a brother who had their hearts torn to pieces and their whole lives changed, forever feeling the deepest of grief. This is why an infinite amount of men and women, including myself, have joined the service and it’s something that I intend to do.
My name is Anthony Mason from Bangor, Maine. I am currently a junior in highschool and will be graduating in 2016. As a conclusion to this essay I would like to thank the following people for making such a huge impact on my life, in alphabetical order of course: Andrew Coleman, Danny Stokes, Dan Tereshko, David Cote, Gunny, Morgan Anderson, Nicole Fox, Sean Bickford, Scott Stitham, and all of the families of the fallen. Each and everyone of the people above have personally moved me and helped me focus on the true meaning of military service and the importance of our veterans.
To Private Dustin Small and his family. Thank you for serving our Country and defending our freedom. Thank you for giving your life for me, my family and all our population.
I was honored to carry your stone in a four mile road race called the Veteran’s Remembrance Road Race in Ellsworth, Maine. It was a challenge that I was so very proud to undertake and I was deeply moved to be part of it.
Thank you and your family for being able to have a lasting legacy through The Summit Project. God Bless You All.
If you had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted, in one moment, would you capture it or just let it slip away? “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
On June 30, 2009, Army Private Dustin R.F. Small died at the age of 19 due to a tragic car accident. He left us too soon but not before seizing his moment…his opportunity of a lifetime! He proudly enlisted in the US Army right out of high school, starting a path of greatness! From Dustin’s family’s account of his sense of giving, loyalty and adventure and from the lyrics of his favorite song “Lose Yourself”, I surmise that he made the very best of any situation dealt to him. He seemed to be a fighter for all things good, one with courage and perseverance!
I was honored to share my time with him on the afternoon of November 8th, 2015 during our trek up Blue Hill Mountain, in Blue Hill, Maine. It was a gorgeous day, sun was bright, sky was clear and the view was spectacular. I carried his heart shaped stone which his family found in the corner of the foundation of his homestead in Palmyra and deemed perfect for this next phase in Dustin’s existence. We took a moment at the summit to reflect on the individual we were honoring that day and I stood there hoping that Dustin is at peace and that he knows he is loved.
Thank you Private Dustin Small, for your service to our country! Be proud for seizing your moment!! You will never be forgotten!!!
My name is Ryan Bradbury. I attend Nokomis Regional High School and we conducted the summit project on 16 May 2016. I was honored to carry the stone of Dustin Small when hiking up Big moose mountain by Greenville Maine. Although I did not know him, I do know his family and from what they have said in the past he was a hard worker who was always there for anyone who needs it. That is why I wanted to honor his memory by carrying his stone.
The weather was amazing for the hike. When we were going up the mountain it was warm and buggy but as you got up the mountain it got better. When we were up at the top right after I talked about Dustin It started to rain which was funny because there was still snow on top. It started to hail as we went down the mountain making the trip more memorable.
So I would say overall it was rewarding for me and my class and we were honored to carry the stones of our fallen Soldiers. I wish I could have got to know Dustin but I am glad to know his family and honor his memory.
On the early morning of October 1st I had the honor of carrying the Stone and Story of Dustin Small. It was a chilly start to a very emotional day. (A day i had been preparing for for months both physically and emotionally ) I grabbed my pack and headed over to the TSP tent and everyone started gathering around. Some I new and alot I didn’t. My stomache was in knots and my nerves were a wreck but I knew how important this was for me and for all of Dustin’s family. They announced that we could retrieve the stones so i went to the table and picked up his stone . I thought what a perfect stone for such a heartfelt soul. I held it tight and thought about Dustin and his life and thought about my oldest who is the same age. I held it tight and said a prayer for Dustin’s parent’s and family and the said a prayer for Dustin asking him to please be with me and show me the way. We got to trail Kebo and i was starting to get energy and excited to start my journey with Dustin. As we walked I started to have conversation with some of the other walkers and listened to their stories and things were going great. Then we hit the stairs and the trail got a little more difficult and my pack started getting a little bit heavy and I said come on Dustin we got this and all of a sudden music started racing through my head which was normal because I love music and I am constantly listening to all genres but when i started to get winded and needed a rest Eminem “Lose Yourself ” came crashing in my head. I knew this to be Dustin’s song and I knew Eminem’s music a little but i started humming the song…. every word was there…at that moment I got my sign…he was their and the tears welled up and I thought even in death he is still helping others.
We did it we made it to the Summit and my heart was full of love…Love for his family and Love for Dustin. I will never forget this experience and I Will Never Forget Dustin…then it was time to hand his stone over for his next journey. I was hoping to meet his mom and talk but she wasn’t able to be there but an Amazing gentleman came to the cirle to retrieve his stone. He was a member of the Patriot Riders and when I hugged him and handed over the stone and we exchanged a few words I knew he was in good hands and will be well taken care of on the next leg of his journey…..
My heart was swelled with lots of love and emotion through this whole experience not only did I get to learn about and honor a great soldier but my husband and brother was sharing this journey with me and this was my husband’s first real experience with TSP and he embraced it with his whole being and asked on our way home…”When is the next hike…Are you ready …and I wonder who we will have the honor of carrying next time….”
I love being a part of the TSP family.
To Dustin’s family, friend’s and brother’s in arms my promise to you is to honor Dustin and to speak his name often and share his story for ever. You All are in my Heart and I hope someday our paths will cross.
To the family of Army PVT Dustin R. F. Small,
In October of 2016, I was given the privilege to carry the stone of Dustin Small up Streaked Mountain in Buckfield, ME. It was a very impactful experience that I will remember for many years to come.
I began the hike not really knowing what to expect. Honestly, at first, I wasn’t having the best time. It was early in the morning and freezing cold outside. The stone was very heavy on my back and I struggled to climb the steep mountain. However, I reached the top and shared Dustin’s legacy, I realized a short hike that seemed unbearable to me at the time was nothing close to what Dustin had endured for our country.
On the top of the mountain it was gorgeous outside by this time. The view was breath taking. It was the peek of foliage and we were surrounded by complete nature. I was beside Dustin’s stone and soaked up the beauty before us. I thought about how much I appreciate Dustin’s service and bravery. It’s the courageous, selfless people like Dustin who make the world a great place to live. He sacrificed everything for his country and there is nothing more honorable than that.
Thank you for allowing this living memorial for Dustin to be a reality. It was a truly meaningful and significant experience for me.
With much respect,
Antinia Desmarais
To the family of PVT Dustin R.F. Small,
My 14 year old son had the honor of carrying the stone and story of PVT Small up Table Rock in Grafton Notch in western Maine this past Monday while attending Maine’s National Guard summer camp for children of National Guard members. He came home very proud and honored. This is a memory he is not soon to forget. Thank you for your sacrifice.
Dear family of Dustin,
I just finished hiking Table Rock Mountain with campers who all have a parent or sibling currently serving in the military. This is what two children had to say about carrying Dustin
“I had the pleasure of carrying Dustin Small’s rock up the mountain with me. It made me think about all the things that fallen members of the service have done for us and our freedom”.
“I have had the pleasure of carrying Dustin’s rock up Table Rock mountain. I think this is an amazing program and thank Dustin for his sacrifice and work”.
I would like to personally thank you for sharing your son and his life with us and others who take part in this amazing program.
Dear Catherine, all family and friends of Dustin R.F. Small,
I had the great honor of carrying the stone and sharing the story of Dustin on Oct. 14. at Acadia National Park. Although I didn’t get to learn any deep details of Dustin’s short life, I certainly learned that he was an extremely loyal friend, had a great sense of humor, loved music and was generally carefree and happy. Dustin’s time both serving his country and living his life were cut far too short. It is however, young men and woman like him who answer the call and are ready to do whatever is necessary to defend our great country. Without people like him I can’t imagine what would become of us all. I will, for the rest of my life remember Dustin Smalls name and keep his memory alive whenever I have the chance. Our day on Cadillac Mtn. was fantastic for a hike and memorial. The wind was fast and the US flag we carried waved hard. It felt as though Dustin and the others being remembered that day were there with us and could have been in that wind. I will always have great respect for Dustin and his family and am truly thankful for your sacrifice. God bless.
Sincerely. Chuck Peaslee
I have lived in the Hartland, Palmrya and St. Albans, Me area in the past. I enjoy listening to the video about Dustin and his love for music, poetry and how the girls seemed to loved him. I enjoyed the story of him asking a couple top go out to dinner with him and a girl he was dating. going to Applebee’s in Waterville and he then said I don’t have any money. What a prankster he sounded to be, but I also heard all about him giving a stranger in the need whatever he could and how caring he was. The Heavens have certainly gained a caring Angel with him. God Bless Dustin for his sacrifice for our country and Bless his family.
Robyn
On Sunday, May 26th 2019, I had the honor and privilege of carrying the stone and the story of US Army Private Dustin Small on a ~6 mile hike in the Debsconeag Lakes Wilderness Area just south of Baxter State Park. Dustin, who was from Palmyra, Maine, died tragically and unexpectedly of injuries from a motor vehicle accident on June 30th 2009.
Dustin was born in December of 1989, making him just a few years older than me – and I immediately felt a connection with him for this reason. He grew up playing sports (he especially loved swimming) and adored spending time with his brothers, whom he was very loyal to and protective of. He had a passion for poetry and felt a deep connection to music, especially rap.
One of the things that struck me most about Dustin’s character was that he simultaneously loved to entertain others and didn’t care what others thought of him. He was a huge prankster from a young age – always telling jokes, playing tricks, and making people laugh. Despite his entertaining talents, though, he was largely indifferent to whether others approved of him. He was extremely self-confident and was fulfilled by his own actions over the reactions of others. As long as Dustin was laughing at himself, he didn’t care whether others were laughing too. This personality trait of honest self-fulfillment is increasingly uncommon in our society, and I admire it in Dustin. Learning about him reminded me that we should be laughing at ourselves more often.
Dustin was an extremely generous and giving individual. He was frugal with his money when it came to spending it himself, but if someone he cared for was in need, he would give them every last dollar he had. Given his generous and unselfish nature, it was not surprising to me that Dustin enlisted in the Army immediately after graduating from high school at the age of 18. He was stationed with the 2nd HET 360th transportation company in Fort Carson, Colorado.
Dustin died at the age of 19. His short life leaves us with a story of strong character and self-sacrifice. Tragically, the long life intended for him was largely unlived. I mourn for his family and friends and hope that they find some peace in knowing that his life is not forgotten.
True to his character, Dustin had expressed strong desire to be an organ donor to save the lives of others if he were to pass. This wish went unfulfilled due to the extent of his injuries. To honor Dustin and help fulfill his wish in a different way, I encourage all who have not registered as organ donors to consider doing so.
Clare E Peaslee
Thank you all for honoring Dustin he is missed so much, reading all of this makes me so grateful. Thank you TSP
My name is Kaleb Moulton. I am going to school at the the Nokomis High School. I am currently a sophomore. I am part of the JROTC program that they have at Nokomis. I didn’t really know Dustin but I knew his brother (My Uncle). I was on the Summit project page looking at fallen service members in maine and I saw Dustin’s name and i instantly thought i knew who that was. I never had a chance to meet him but of what I have heard he was a good kid that loved to make jokes and listen to Eminem. But when I saw his picture I knew I saw that picture somewhere. I went around asking a few of my family members if they knew who Dustin was. One of the people who was in the video of when you guys were talking was my aunt Kim. She said that she really didn’t know him as much as others did but she told me that she would hear a lot of good things about Dustin.
I was extremely honored to carry his stone up TumbleDown Mountain. There was plenty of times where I would stop walking up the Mountain but I would get back up and remind myself I signed up to take this rock up the mountain and that was exactly what I was going to do. I know hard it is to lose a family member or a loved one and it is hard to go through that. I said this once but I will say it many more times if needed but I was more than honored to carry the stone of PVT 2 Dustin R. F. Small up that mountain on wednesday June 5th. I am more than willing to walk up that same mountain or another Mountain again next year and if I have the choice i am more than willing to carry that same stone up that mountain again for years to come.
My name is Kaleb Moulton and I was Honored to carry that stone up the Mountain on that day Wednesday June, 5th.
To the family of Army PVT Dustin Small,
I had the honor and privilege of carrying Dustin’s stone over Veterans Day weekend both up Blue Hill Mountain and in the 4 mile Veterans Run. Everything I learned about Dustin told me he was a giving and caring individual with a wonderful smile. I also learned of his fondness of rap music so in honor of this, Eminem was played at the summit (having to cut the song short as there were young ears present :)) and that song got me through those four miles the next day pushing me harder to keep putting one foot in front of the other in order to cross that finish line with his stone held high.
The sun was bright and warm at the summit and I think that was Dustin’s way of smiling down upon us, still giving warmth to others.
Thank you for allowing me to honor your hero in such an amazing and unique way. His memory will be carried with me on all of my future hikes and in my heart forever.
To Dustin-Thank you! Keep that sun shining through that smile. MHANF
With love and gratitude,
Trish Lanigan
To the family of PVT Dustin Small,
I had the honor of carrying Dustin’s stone for the virtual Baxter hike this past Memorial Day weekend. Some people say that the stone chooses you and I agree.
This is my third summit project hike and I signed up a bit late due to my own injury and not being sure that I would be ready to hike. When I was assigned to carry Dustin’s stone, I read through all of his information and watched the video you shared. My first connection was with sharing the year 1989, which was the year I graduated from high school. And then the Eminem song. I have run several marathons and I have always included that song in my playlist for long runs and for the actually marathons. It always seemed to play right at the time when I needed a lift.
On Memorial Day, I hiked with Dustin’s stone and my husband hiked with my brother’s stone. I felt so many connections between my brother and Dustin. Both joined the army young and had a great sense of humor. Both would give their last dollar to someone in need. Both were gone far too young.
We had a great hike at Bradbury Mountain, with the rain holding off, while we hiked. I like to think that the two of them were taking care of us that day. At the top of the hike, we put the stones down and played Eminem and had a quiet moment to remember both Dustin and my brother, CPT Christopher Sullivan. We packed up and hiked down. Once we were safe and dry back in the car, it started to rain.
I will keep Dustin’s memory with me on future hikes. Thank you for sharing his story.
Thank you,
Amy Lilley
To the family of Army PVT Dustin Small,
I had the honor to carry Dustin’s stone and his story again for TSP at ANP in September. Although the hike was not what we had thought due to the threat of severe weather, it truly was a great day. I had the chance to share Dustin’s story with “Team Tarn.” A few of the hikers in the group had done other hikes with TSP and were familiar with Dustin’s story. We shared the tragedy of a brilliant life lost far too early. Our heroes were truly with us as the sun came out while we shared stories on the beach. The rain held off until we were back at the campground and under the tent.
I feel that I have gained the memory of a new little brother, and I will carry his story and his name with me forever and he will not be forgotten. As much as I think of him as a little brother, I have two sons, who are 18 and 20, and I can’t imagine the grief of losing a son who is just starting to make his mark in the world. Thank you for sharing his story so that he is not forgotten. Please know that his story is shared and he is remembered.
Thank you again,
Amy Lilley
To the family of PVT Dustin Small,
I had the honor of carrying Dustin’s stone on Friday, September 9th, 2022. I walked the Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland with Dustin’s stone with my teammates at the local VA.
This was the first time I have done something with The Summit Project. I am so happy I got to take part in this project. The reason why it was such a good experience, is because I got to be introduced to Dustin. I never knew Dustin in life, but after learning about his story he was obviously an impressive young man who’s memory continues to live on.
Through the project I got to learn what an amazing person Dustin was. He was a hero, who served his country with honor and valor. He is blessed with a family who loves him very much. He sounded like he knew how to have a good time and his personality made others smile.
We did not do much of difficult hike September 9th, but we got to do something I think Dustin could have really appreciated. I got to walk with Dustin’s stone on a warm, sunny, day in Maine by the water. As I finish, I struggle to find the right words to express my sorrow for your loss. All I can tell you is I will carry Dustin’s story with me always.
To the family of Army PVT Dustin Small
I had the honor and privilege of carrying Dustin’s stone as a part of team gold on the September 24 hike up Cadillac Mountain. This was my first experience with the Summit Project and it will definitely not be my last. Learning about Dustin and his story was a great experience for me. His tragic death was certainly too soon but he was an amazing person with a personality that made those around him smile.
Although Dustin died too young, we would have been the same age today and that really helped me identify with him. His love of rap music and swimming are also things that I loved at that age. To this day, I use Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” song as a pump up song for long endurance events. Carrying Dustin’s stone on a cold windy day up Cadillac made me feel closer to him and it was a pleasure to share his story and stone with others in the group.
Dustin wished to be an organ donor but unfortunately couldn’t because of his car accident. I made sure to check that I am indeed an organ donor and encourage others to do this as well. His love and memory live on through the Summit Project and his family and friends.
Dear Catherine,
On June 3rd, 2023, the Summit Project display table was set up in the L.L. Bean Distribution Center in Freeport Maine. I have had the distinct Honor of representing Dustin Robert Small for the past two months, keeping his memory alive by visiting every day to pay my respects, providing a fresh Red Rose each week, and praying that his and your sacrifices are remembered and honored.
On June 30th, 2023, my mother, daughter, granddaughter, and I took his memory on an adventure to Peak’s Island. The fog was as thick as pea soup when we left Portland via ferry. My granddaughter stood at the front of the ferry pretending to be Rose from “Titanic”. As we arrived on Peak’s Island and walked up over the hill the fog lifted and the sun came out for the entire time we were on the island.
Not only did the sun come out while we were on the island, but we saw three young boys jumping off the dock!! They were having a great time and it reminded us of the video talking about Dustin and his brothers swimming when they were younger. It was like he was there with us.
I was honored to carry the beautiful heart shaped stone in memory of PVT Dustin Robert F Small on a hike at Wolfe’s Neck Park in Freeport Maine July 14th, 2023.
We represented 20 fallen Soldiers with ties to Maine. The ocean was beautiful as the sun came out and it became warm. As we came around a bend, I stopped to say some prayers for Dustin’s Family. As I walked on, hanging back to make sure one of the hikers – an Army Veteran did not get separated, thinking to myself “leave no one behind” I suddenly heard the beat to the song by Eminem from the video- “One shot”. It was so distinct, I stopped to see where it was coming from, but there was no one, no boat, or radio.
We gathered after to share what we knew about the Soldier we represented and any connection we had:
One is that my son was born a year before Dustin and also liked rap music, especially Eminem. He insisted on buying the uncut version of his CD.
Another is that my Father also enlisted in the Army right out of High School. He was very humble, and kind, always trying to make us laugh. When you asked him how he was doing he would reply “Peachie Keen”. He was a highly decorated Combat wounded Vietnam Veteran, but you never would have known it.
It is not easy being a Military family. My heart goes out to Dustin’s Family, friends, loved ones, and future Stone carriers. Thank you for your Sacrifices.
Forever Remembered,
Michelle
I had the distinct honor and pleasure of carrying Dustin’s stone and story up Cadillac Mountain on September 23, 2023.
In the weeks leading up to the hike I did my research in an attempt to get to know Dustin and the young man he was.
As I read about Dustin online, his obituary, and the guestbook it was clear that he left a mark on those he knew. He was known as a young man full of life, love, fun, and adventure: a person who was always there to give, and rare to take.
The recording of his family talking about Dustin was full of great tidbits, memories, and insight.
A story was shared where Dustin invited his parents out to dinner at Applebee’s with him and his girlfriend. They noted that he pushed the 2 for 20 deal and when the check came Dustin admitted he didn’t have any money and surprise, his parents had to pay!
He was a prankster and a joker who was always trying to make people smile.
He was loyal, true friends knew they could always count on him, he didn’t hold grudges and he was loved by everyone, people flocked to him and wanted to be a part of his life.
Dustin was a helper, a giver, always there for anyone who needed him. A statement was made about him that hit near to my heart … “he gave until it hurt”. He would give the shirt off his back or the last dollar out of his pocket if someone needed it.
I found a connection with Dustin in his love for music. While I may not love to sing and rap like he did, it was said he wasn’t into music just for the beats, he had an emotional connection to the music he loved and that really resonates with me. Music is often an emotional outlet for me and I can truly appreciate his love for it.
I have participated in many TSP events, with each one I add an angel to my tribe watching over me and I feel like Dustin was the perfect fit for this time in my life. I will think about his smile, his laughter, and channel his love of music when times go a little darker. As a mother to a young son, the loss of such a young life struck me hard and I have certainly hugged my boy longer, tighter, and more often. I thank his family and friends for sharing Dustin with TSP and allowing us to help make sure his story lives on.
I want to leave you with the first few lines to an Eminem song he once recorded himself performing and sent to his friends and family, I hope these lyrics make you think about how you live each day, each moment … because we never know when it will be our last….
Look… If you had… one shot, one opportunity…To seize everything you ever wanted… one moment…Would you capture it? Or just let it slip?