44. Charlie and Stephanie Brown ON: The Brown’s talk about the tragic events surrounding the death of their young son, Dylan, during a flash flood in Arizona. Powerful message of Faith and Compassion.

My friends Charlie and Stephanie Brown, share their experiences surrounding the death of their young son Dylan, during a flash flood in Arizona.

 

 

This episode will tug at your heart as listen, because you can literally feel the true love Charlie and Stephanie have for their son and how much they miss him. I have known the Brown's for a few years now, they are some of the most loving, kind, and generous people I know. They are the kind of people that quietly lift others up and instill in others value and worth. Before I learned about the tragic loss of their son, I could tell that there were some experiences they had been through that had stretched their souls to the point of breaking, not because they are broken people, but because they have broken hearts which has provided them the ability to show up for others who are hurting or struggling without hesitation.

 

 

"The only way to take sorrow out of death is to take love out of life." Russell M. Nelson

 

Charlie shares this quote from Russel M. Nelson, current President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and Prophet.  This quote defines death of loved ones, and for any parents who have lost a young child, I hope that you will listen to Charlie and Stephanie share their experiences losing Dylan.

 

 

If you have ever been to Arizona during Monsoon season, you are well aware that when Monsoon's come they come out of nowhere, they come fast and hard, and they can be very dangerous and deadly. On the day that Dylan died, they monsoon had passed recently so the boys, naturally, wanted to go play in the mud and catch frogs. In a brief moment of distraction Dylan slipped through a fence and into an irrigation canal that was moving at a very rapid pace caused by water coming down from a nearby mountain. Charlie and Stephanie describe their feelings during the chaotic moments searching desperately to find Dylan. When they were able to locate Dylan the firefighters did all they could to save his life, but it was too late.  As they talk about this experience, your heart will be touched.

 

 

Their pain even years later is very real and their hope and faith in their belief that they will see Dylan again one day is powerful. Another piece of the story you will hear about is years later when Child Protective Services calls them to let them know that they were opening a case against them. This brought all of the pain and emotions right back to the front and the Browns couldn't believe what was happening, as everyone at the scene that day, including the firefighters witnessed of the accident. You can imagine what that must of felt like for the Browns who were already struggling to keep their own heads above water every day due to the pain of the grief and loss of their son.

 

 

They share an eye opening reminder to us during this interview. Stephanie talk about the day she read all of the comments people posted on the news story of their sons drowning. Through tears she describes the pain, shame, and worthlessness she felt as she read comments from people who criticized their parenting, love for their children, etc... and the awful and harsh words many used. I hope that by listening to their story, we can all personally think about everyone we are connected to in our personal lives and even those we don't know personally that maybe in the news, or another connection, that we have judged and criticized without knowing all of the complete details, and commit to ourselves to change and do better than that form of low life thinking and criticizing. There is no place in our world for anyone to be treated that way by complete strangers who have no idea who you are. We must put a stop to that not only personally but we must be the counter voice when we see it to protect others who are in the types of potions that the Browns were in. Charlie and Stephanie's, devotion and faith in the Atoning sacrifice, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is beautiful and palpable. In reverence, with broken hearts and contrite spirits, they push on with purpose to care for their other children, lift up others who are going through their own tragic experiences, and to show God of their love and gratitude for His plan of Salvation which will allow them to one day again be with their son.

 

 

Thank you both for putting your heart vulnerably on your sleeve and sharing your experiences with me and anyone who listens. I love you both dearly and I know who you are. You have lifted me up and inspired me many times and my prayer is that you will feel the love and support of others around you and you will never forget that you are worthy and beloved by our Father in Heaven, and one day the plan He has designed for you will have your son Dylan in your arms again for an eternity of love and incredible opportunities for experiences.