Without You

Four years ago my brother’s friend Kyle died. Kyle was not only Nicks mate, but a member of the family. His death surprised us all, and we continue to miss him.

Kyle was a curious character. He got kicked off the bus, kicked out of class, and caught my folks shelterbelt on fire. He was alive in the truest sense, and trouble followed close behind.

I’ve only written about four songs in my life, one of them was in response to Kyle’s death, and the others that followed; Ron, Ashley, Ana, and Kristen. These are the lyrics:

I heard the news today

News about you
It took my breath away
I wish it wasn't true

I’ve got no words to say

I’m just here without you

But I know

I’ll never let go

Of your memory

I know

I’ll never let go

Of your memory

Life moves to fast

I can’t find the breaks

Please stop. Stand still

Oh, for goodness sake

I don’t want to feel

‘Cos this hurts, this aches

But I know

I’ll never let go

Of your memory

I know

I’ll never let go

Of your memory

Don’t let this time

Be lost on me

I’ll try close my eyes

‘Cos I don’t want to see

But your hurt is gone

Now you’re free

And I know

I’ll never let go

Of your memory

I know

I’ll never let go

Of your memory

I heard the news today

News about you
It took my breath away
I wish it wasn't true

I’ve got no words to say

I’m just here without you

Here without you

Without you

It’s been four years and I’ve still got no words to say, we are just here without him.

But the Word of God, Jesus Christ, says “I am the Resurrection and the Life”. This is what we remember and celebrate at Easter, or rather, this is who we remember and celebrate at Easter – and indeed every day. Christ is risen, hallelujah! And it is the risen Jesus who says, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Jesus is alive, and our lives are found in him, now and always – nothing changes that, not even death changes that.

So, Kyle is not here with us. But Christ is. And Kyle is with Christ too. This is no lame compromise, this life in the truest, most beautiful sense.

I will continue to miss Kyle – we all will – but we hold on to the hope of eternal life in Christ.

Maranatha, come Lord Jesus.

See you soon, brother.