Carter and Ashton on his first bike in Whiteriver, AZ, age 4.

This is Carter. What have I learned from Ashton’s death?
…that God loves His children, including me and my son, Ashton.
…that God is good, loving and kind.
…that there are MANY things that I do not understand and WILL not understand in this lifetime — and that’s OK.
…to trust God. He understands ALL things and will help me understand, also — in His own way and in His own time. I need to prepare myself to recognize when God is helping me understand.
…that it’s important to get proper rest, exercise and nutrition.
…that there are many people suffering in many ways that I am not aware of — so it’s important to be kind.
…to be humble.
…to not judge other parents or their children .
…to forgive.
…to find solace in The Bible, The Book of Mormon other scriptures and words of living prophets, the temple, fasting and prayer.
…to build my “house” upon the “Rock” of Jesus Christ. He is the ONLY thing I can count on 100% of the time!
…that there are many others in the world who have been affected by the suicide of a loved one.
…that there are so many good and kind people who love Ashton and who love us.
…that the sealing ordinances of the temple are real and powerful. The authority Christ gave to Peter anciently to “…Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven…” also exists on the earth today. Ashton is our son throughout the eternities. What solace that sweet doctrine brings to a grieving father!
…that the Atonement of Christ swallows up my sorrows and the inequities of life.
…to be kind to myself.
…to be kind to my wife.
…of the healing power of my being in the mountains and in nature.