A Homegoing

Today is the ten-year anniversary of what my family likes to call “a homegoing.”

A significant homegoing.

On October 17, 2002, my little brother Ryan Patrick Miller (who most knew as Dooley) was in a car accident in Jackson. Due to injuries sustained from the accident, Dooley went on to heaven (his eternal home, hence the word “homegoing”) the following day, October 18.

Ryan Patrick Miller. The handsome guy known to most folks as "Dooley"

Ryan Patrick Miller. The handsome guy known to most folks as “Dooley”

He was only 15 years old.

A tall, lanky blonde dude with a love for sketching, fast cars, and music (among other things), Dooley was one remarkable, remarkable guy. His big beautiful grin paired with his tall stature made him virtually unforgettable. He carried joy and light everywhere he went, and had the unique ability to make just about anyone laugh. His lack of common sense and his ample supply of book smarts are what gave him his incredible sense of humor. (Oh, the stories I could tell you that highlight this unique combination of “gifts!”) 🙂

Dooley was quite a teacher without even realizing it. He was never one to ever get too stressed out and he was always up for adventure. He loved the Lord and never said a bad word about anyone. He had tons of friends and was able to relate to people anywhere from 7 years old up to 70 years old. Everyone loved him.
And I know a lot of people miss him.

Though the accident and the loss of a close family member was by far the most tragic thing that’s happened in my life, it’s also one of the biggest reminders of how BIG and GREAT our God is! He has carried my mom, dad, brother Jordan and me through the hard times in a way that we never could’ve carried ourselves. And He promises us, believers in Christ, that we will get to see Dooley again in our eternal home of heaven. I thank God every day for heaven and for the opportunity we’ll have to get to hang out with Dooley again.

Dooley is much loved, often thought about, and deeply missed.
Thank God for the wonderful memories and the legacy of my little brother. 🙂

16 Comments

  1. Kaylyn Orr October 18, 2012 / 11:52 am

    I love this. We all miss him so much and will never forget what it was like having him here on this earth. But oh how amazing it will be to see him in heaven. Thanks for sharing!

    • thelovelybee October 18, 2012 / 1:18 pm

      Yes mam!! We have so much to look forward to! 🙂 You are so sweet (and I’m loving your blog! :))

  2. Cissy Carter October 18, 2012 / 5:38 pm

    Laurel, your whole family was and continues to be such a powerful Christian witness to me when Dooley went “Home”. With love, Cissy Carter

    • thelovelybee October 18, 2012 / 5:42 pm

      Our family loves y’alls SO MUCH!! Thanks for the kind words 🙂

  3. jan martin October 19, 2012 / 8:56 am

    Laurel
    Such a precious tribute to your little brother. We think of him often and it reminds us to say a prayer for your family. You have all been a great testament to God’s strength through great tragedy.

    • thelovelybee October 19, 2012 / 9:25 am

      Thank you Jan! Thanks for remembering him 🙂

  4. Carmen March 21, 2013 / 9:24 am

    Loved reading this!

  5. Pingback: Eleven Years Ago |
  6. Julie Tullos October 18, 2013 / 5:21 pm

    Great guy! He was so sweet and very funny. Such a wonderful family. We still laugh at things he did or said.

    • thelovelybee October 21, 2013 / 11:02 am

      He was hilarious, wasn’t he?! 🙂

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