If you’ve been following me for any length of time now, you probably remember the amazing Silas, a sixteen year old young man with brain cancer. I met Silas in January of last year when I was blessed to photograph him and some of his friends before Decatur Christian’s dance. It was such a blessing to get to meet him and his family and to have had the chance to get to know them over the past year. Just as so many others who met Silas – I found him to be an inspiring young man, brave, fun and most of all faith filled.

Unfortunately his cancer developed to a point where there was nothing more doctors could do. He got to come home on hospice care in early December and after much love and time spent with family and friends, Silas went home to Jesus on December 23rd. “This side or the other – I am healed.” These are words Silas said more than once before his passing, and have been quoted time and time again. Silas is no longer trapped in his human body. His sight and mobility are restored and as the sign at Northwest Christian Church said “Silas is now running, and leaping, and praising God!”

It was a beautiful visitation and Celebration of Life on December 27th. As always, love exuded from all in the church. Of course, many were grieving but the focus of this service was not to dwell on Silas’ passing but rather to celebrate his amazing life! And that’s exactly what was done! Songs were sang, stories were shared. There were tears, yes. But there was also laughter.

And got up at the end of the celebration to tell us some thoughts Silas had wanted him to share. Over the years, people asked Silas often if he ever asked God “Why?” and Silas said no. He said rather than ask God why, he chose to ask God “how?” How do I move forward from here? And Silas encouraged all of us to do the same.

When the celebration was complete, Silas was carried out to pull-behind trailer for his last ride to his final resting place. The sound of all the bikes revving as they prepared to leave was an awesome sound and the sight of all the bikes equally amazing! A few more words were said at the cemetery and to finish the celebration – doves were released into the skies so that we all might look up to the heavens.

Words cannot express how honored I am to have been included in the Martin family’s past year. They are wonderful, strong, amazing people and I feel humbled to have been asked to document such important events for the family. Here’s just a little glimpse at Silas’ Celebration of Life!