Jessica Kelso

The past week has been very difficult for a whole lot of people. Joel Wade Chastain, a beautiful soul passed away April 20, 2009. He was Kevin’s cousin and one of his best friends growing up. He battled a very strong addiction and ended up losing the fight. My brother was also friends with him growing up and although I remember having crushes on a couple of my brother’s friends, Joel was the biggest one. Every time I saw him he had a smile and something nice to say, and now after talking with so many people this past week who knew him, I’ve learned that was always the case.

The service was beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. It’s gut wrenching to see the pain in everyone who knew him. The confusion on faces of people wondering how such a young life was cut so soon. For the viewing there was a steady stream of people out the door the entire time. He touched so many lives in lots of different ways. In this I’ve drawn so much closer to God and leaned on Him for understanding. Knowing Joel is in His loving arms and finally at peace is the only comfort we have. I know Kevin misses him a lot. Please say a prayer for him along with Joel’s family.