What would Elijah do?

Tonight I had dinner with Elijah's friend Jentry. (Now our whole family's friend....like family) We were talking about the positive impacts Elijah's short life had on so many people. I remarked how he taught me to truly love people and how to be a more patient driver. Jentry told me that people say, "What would Jesus do?" and after knowing Elijah he thinks, "What would Elijah do?" Although as Christians we hold Christ as our example, we did not live when Jesus did. Elijah had the light of Christ in so many ways. So, I catch myself thinking, "What would Elijah do?" when I drive. Jentry brought to my mind how much Elijah loved life and how he told people what a great world it is. As a matter of fact, Jentry shared with me the prayer he offered at Elijah's memorial service. He said his mind was too mixed up from emotions that he had to write it down. I'm so glad he did. I hope he doesn't mind, but I want to share it here because I'm hoping as time passes and I think on this prayer over and over that I will think, "What would Elijah do?" and try to find joy again in my life.
Elijah Kent Buxton Celebration of Life Prayer

We are grateful to have a beautiful venue and evening to celebrate and honor the life of Elijah Kent Buxton.

We are mindful of the efforts made by family, friends, neighbors and ward members to make this night possible; for the time, talents and resources that have been offered with so much love.

We are thankful that we have such a tremendous life to celebrate. For the love Elijah gave to each of us so freely and unconditionally; and for the memories that we each have of our time with him. Regardless of the relationship, the when and where, or the how and why, the common thread is that he loved us, and we loved him. We will continue to love him.

In the days to come we hope for clear minds and hearts. We hope that our memories will be vivid, easily recalled and may they never fade. May his family know how many of us loved their son, grandson, brother and uncle. As they grieve the loss of Elijah may they know that they have a huge support system and so many people who are ready and willing, no matter the hour, to listen and remember this stunning soul who wandered with us on life's journey for a short but gorgeous few years.

Let us remember Elijah's passion for life and the commitment he made to remain positive and humble through the darkest of days; and let us find within ourselves the desire to live with that same resolve...To spread kindness to everyone we meet.

As we conclude our tribute to Elijah this evening we will remember his goodness; may the love he had for us be felt. May we mingle with each other and understand and contemplate the beauty of the diversity among us.

Let us now enjoy the music that has been thoughtfully prepared and rehearsed by his friends and family. May they play their hearts out for Elijah and may he have a front row seat for the remainder of our tribute to him wherever he rests tonight.

Elijah once said, "The world is such a beautiful place when people are being good to each other."

Let's live full, productive, generous and thoughtful lives. Let's love our lives like Elijah loved his. Let's be good to each other.

Thanks Jentry. Thanks Elijah. When the deep sorrow that still fills my heart subsides, I hope it does so because I am thinking, "What would Elijah do?"