A part of me is still wishing that this is just one of your stupid jokes. One where you are just acting dead like you did when we were kids.
On August 30th, my uncle Justin Ray Settoon received his wings. He got hit by a truck while riding his bicycle on August 29. The driver of the truck ran the red light and hit him. He had a skull fracture and his brain was swollen. He died at 9:08 the next morning. The realization of him being actually gone hit me really hard. He was five years older than me so he was like a big brother to me. He played with me, taught me things, and even embarrassed me every chance he got. I didn't want to believe he was gone. I didn't want to realize he won't be at my wedding or any special occasion.
I know you can be stupid sometimes. But why stop wearing your damn helmet?! You're hardheaded but your head is not really that hard dude.
I was honestly little angry at him. I knew it wasn't his fault but I felt that he should've been more responsible. He meant so much to many people. He was my pawpaw's best friend. Yeah he was a daddy's boy and he was truly the best one out there. He went everywhere with Pawpaw Leroy. He was the youngest of five boys. Whenever my dad or uncles needed help or a laugh, he was always there. He was the type of friend that you know you can rely on no matter what. When my cousins and I came into the picture, he did everything he could to be a great uncle. He made sure that our smiles never turned into a frown. He never missed a birthday party or school event. If he did, he would send a thoughtful text. I truly looked up to him. When I first started school, I struggled with making friends. I remember being so excited about getting to play with him and Uncle Josh when Dad took me to Pawpaw Leroy's. They didn't treat me like kids at school treated me. They included me in their games and encouraged me when I couldn't do something. Even if their friends were around, they still included me and made sure I was treated fairly. I wouldn't have gained the confidence to become a social butterfly if it wasn't for them.
My second birthday
My twenty-third birthday
I knew you would not let any of us down. Thanks for being a hero.
Justin lived for being selfless and memorable. He was a organ donor. On the day after he died, we found out that Brandon's mom (my future mother-in-law) was getting one of his cornea. I was in Target when I heard the news. I was speechless and tried so hard to not start crying . I was so upset about him not being there for the wedding. It felt like it was his way of saying "I won't miss it. I promise." Since then, I thank him every day for continuing to be a great uncle. He will see my wedding and the birth of my children after all.
He has help many others as well.
Thanks for the push. Now I understand. It's not about how great your work is. It's about how your work affects the world.
Justin was a talented artist and carpenter. His artwork is quite unique. He was known as the Bom. We recently displayed all his artwork at the annual Ponchatoula Art Stroll and he won favorite artist. I have been struggling with feeling confident about my novel writing. So seeing so many different people admire his work and his talent really inspired me to push forward with my passion for writing.
He painted the heart with wings piece for me a few years ago. I am going put it in my office in my new house.
Dad and I supporting Justin's signature Bom character.
Even though it has been hard, Uncle Josh and I have kept a smile on our faces. We know that Justin will still be with us no matter what.
It has been not easy knowing that he is gone. I just wish I could hug him one more time and hear him say "I love you too butthead." I know he still around though. He left our family stronger than ever. He may be gone, but his impact on the world lives forever. Just like a explosive bomb.
If you would like to purchase a Bom shirt, here is the link:
