Before yesterday I could not have imagined a time when I would attend a student's funeral or memorial service and not shed a tear. Yesterday I did exactly that. No, I don't think my dry eyes were due to me growing old and callous. Nor was it that I was numb from the shock of her death. The reason was simple - Miley Elizabeth Duvall lived all 23 years of her short life "full throttle". Her parents and friends wanted the service to represent Miley, not sappy, tearful thoughts of regret. Almost 40 people participated in the "Celebration of Life" (yes, all from the platform. Yes, the service was long). There was lots of laughter during our time gathered in the new Rabun County High School gymnasium. It was unlike any other service of remembrance of which I have been a part or attended. Actually, it was rather fun - which was just as miley would have wanted it!
Miley lived her life for Jesus. She tried any and everything. She took risks. She traveled. She has friends all over the world. She laughed loud and often. She played hard, both on the court (or track or field), and off. She was goofy, but didn't care. She was gorgeous, but hated prissy. She was laid back, but vivacious. She wrote notes of encouragement to everyone, and got people to try and do things they would have never done otherwise. You knew Smiley Miley liked you if you were hug-tackled in public or grabbed from behind, picked up and spun around until you were dizzy. Miley prayed to "Big Daddy" and lived a life to serve God in so many ways it would be impossible to list them all.
Miley showed all of us who claim to follow Jesus what living a life of joy should look like.
Yesterday I heard so many people, young and old, describe this vivacious 23 year old as their "hero". Until yesterday I only knew part of who Miley Duvall was. Now that I have the full picture I add my name to that list - Miley is my hero too!
Check out the facebook group for some stories about Miley (facebook group)
