Making a Difference

Waylon, was making a difference.

Waylon was making a difference in life...more than we even knew.  

You always wonder in life....How are my children, when they are away from home?  Fair question right?  I mean, you raise them, you give them all you have...and you wonder, are they "doing the right thing out there?".  Are they kind to others?  Do they follow the "rules of life"?  Are they living a "good christian life"?  I mean, we don't get to follow them around everywhere they go, when they leave home.  We have to let them "go".  Sometimes, we hear a little comment or praise about them.  And we think, "ya, that's my son", "he's doing ok". 

On Mothers Day, May 9th, 2010.  Three days after the "accident."

We were sitting in church...these were some of the thoughts going through my head.   

I have written down several notes from that days message.  Diligent in serving others.  Devout...Noble things that make a difference in the lives of others...Serving, giving, Living with the dignity of an eternal life.....

Looking back, I know this is Mother's Day...and the message was probably intended for mothers.  But, I could only think of one person....Waylon.

I know Waylon wanted only to bring good to life and succeed with enthusiasm.  That is just how he lived.  

Over the last two years, we have become aware of just how much of an impact Waylon made in the lives of others.  It is humbling and inspiring.  We are proud of the life he chose to live and the difference he was making....

I have this written down from that Sunday morning service in church, "We knew we had a good son....We just didn't know how Great he was."

May 7th, 2010.....We had to let him go......when Rex turned to me in the hospital, that early Friday morning, and said to me....."Cindy, We are about to lose our son,"   I didn't think I would live another day.....another minute.......I am sure Rex felt the same....I couldn't see past that moment, or our immediate hurt.  A day seemed a year away........

But over the last two years, we have learned  so much more about our son.  And while we have lost a son.....we realize we are not the only ones who lost........Waylon was a brother, an uncle, a grandson, a nephew, a friend, a brother to many, a teammate, a roommate, a student, a runner, a tutor, a cousin, he was a representation of this community we live in, and of NWMSU in Maryville, he carried on the Martensen name, he was a "believer" and follower of Jesus Christ...he was someone that many loved....he was making a difference, he was inspiring, he was funny, and he was a very loved individual....he was unique, one of kind, and lovable. 

Today, has been especially hard.  Waylon would soon be graduating for Northwest University.  He would be entering into a new chapter of his life.  Yet, we will never see him receive that college degree, and all that he would accomplish.....we will not see him reach his potential in life....we will not witness all the good he would do, and we will continue to miss the joy, happiness and "fun times", he brought to this world...


But, what we do see, is that he "lives on" through his memory, and through the relationships he made along the way....his friends, family, teammates, roommates, colleague's, co-workers, former coaches and teachers....
people we have never even met,
and some who only knew Waylon through an acquaintance,
and even some, who say, "I didn't know your son, Waylon, but.....", and they will go into a story they heard or share a memory with us.........

And we get to have a little more of Waylon, and say, "Yes, that's our son." 

And for a brief moment, we feel good.

(I have to interject here:  It's ok to say Waylon's name around us, to share memories and tell stories.....It helps.  I know some people wonder, as I used to myself.  I used to feel, we had to be quiet about a loved one, who had passed........DON'T do this.......it's ok to say their name....share what you remember, talk, open up.....celebrate what you can about their memory.....If we cry......it's ok.......we cry all the time anyway.....)

There are so many that have posted on Facebook, or sent a message, text or card.......And we realize we were so blessed to have Waylon here with us for 19 years......and that is why it hurts so much....

Waylon continues to "make a difference". 

Everyday......

Last year, we started the 'Waylon Martensen Scholarship Award", this is presented to a graduating senior at California High School.  A senior who exemplifies the life that Waylon lead.  And a student who was in track or cross country.  As most of you know.....Waylon was a distance runner at Northwest Missouri State University and participated in track throughout middle school and high school.

  This year, 2012, we will again give another scholarship to a graduating senior.......next year, We hope to give two or three and pray, that for years to come, we will be able to honor Waylon by doing this....

Last year, also marked the "First Annual Waylon Martensen Memorial 5K, walk/run...."

August 4th, 2012, with the help of many friends and supporters, we will host another 5K, to honor Waylon....

Money from this event goes not only to the scholarship, but will help support the California Track and Cross Country Teams.

Over time, I pray we will all continue to heal from the tragic event of May 6th, 2010......and keep

"Waylon's Memory" alive and strong.....