Here in Colorado, Scout and I light a candle for Asa. A small, steady flame for a golden boy whose courage and joy have reached far beyond his own home and for our dear friends Joy and Mike, who have loved him through every step. As they prepare for the goodbye no heart can ever quite prepare for, we gather around them with our prayers, our tears, and our gratitude for the beautiful life they have shared with us. And what a life, sweet Asa. Our golden rock star, song maker, Bigfoot seeker. Bon Jovi for the soundtrack, Baby Shark and your sloth close by. Even through the hardest days, there was still room in your world for something silly, something wonderful, something that made the rest of us smile. We fell in love with all of it. With you. Since beloved Chuck Billy unexpectedly left, I have often felt there was an angelic presence walking beside your family. Maybe the Christmas angel we could never locate. Certainly, a pathway of miracles became visible. We witnessed courage in your gentle face and devotion in the hands that cared for you. We celebrated the good days, prayed through the difficult ones, and wished so fiercely for more time. You never, not once, gave up. And we cheered for you. We are cheering now through our tears. To Asa’s family: thank you for letting us love him with you. We know the whole world you hold in this one precious boy. As you help him through these tender hours, may you feel the love of all the hearts gathered around your family. You have given Asa a lifetime of belonging. He will carry your love into whatever comes next - as he gathers joyously with Chuck Billy and Lemmy. Asa, when the time comes, may you go gently, knowing there is nothing more you need to do. You have fought so courageously. You have made us laugh, brought us together, and given us memories we will hold with such tenderness. Thank you to all who medically took care of you. Heroes all. I like to imagine Chuck Billy waiting just ahead and that familiar happiness when you see him. There will be so much to tell him. “Learn to laugh, dare to dance, touch the sky.” We will try, dear boy. And when we hear your songs, we will remember how much joy you brought us. We will sing loud so you can hear and sing along as you always did. Until then, our candle burns for you beneath the Colorado sky. Until the reunion, sweet Asa, the longing will ache and the place that is yours alone will remain, held open by love, waiting for you. Love will light the way. 🕯️