Amy Sprunger Photography

His name was Earl

His name was Earl

[Re-post from March 24, 2014]

Good Morning. This blog post has been on my heart for a few months now. I wanted to wait until the perfect time to share it.  Today is my birthday.  And because this true story I am about to tell you was a gift to so many I thought this was the perfect day to share.

Please grab a cup of coffee and some tissues.  You’ll need the tissues. 

2014-03-21_0002When I was in elementary school I had a little friend named Earl. We were in the same class in both 3rd and 4th grade.  Earl was an ornery little guy with a squeaky voice and a contagious laugh.  His favorite song in music class was “We all live in a Yellow Submarine.”  Each week in music class he would request it.  Sometimes the music teacher let us sing it and sometimes not.  Earl was a funny guy.  He made all of his friends laugh.  Our teachers loved him.  I especially remember Mrs. Rush – our 4th grade teacher – getting a kick out of him.

One thing that I specifically remember about Earl was that he taught our entire 4th grade class the ABC’s in sign language. He brought in a little chart and Mrs. Rush made copies for each child so we could learn it.  I learned to sign the alphabet right then and there – because of Earl. And to this day I remember it and think of him every time I use it. You see the entire reason Earl shared sign language with the class was because he had an older sister who was deaf.  Sign language was something that his family used and he wanted to share it with us.   We never met his sister but he talked about her and we all knew that she was important to him.

Then things took a sad turn. 

One evening I received the worst news ever.  Earl was tragically killed in a car accident just a short distance from his house.  The funeral was held the same week that our 5th grade school year started.  It was a very deep thing for our young class to go through.  I remember going over to his viewing and seeing my tiny friend laying there with his rosary in his hand. To this day I remember it vividly.  I didn’t attend the funeral – just the viewing.  The first day of school I asked Mrs. Rush if she had heard about Earl. She put her arm around me, hung her head and with tears in her eyes said that she had.

Since I didn’t go to the funeral itself I didn’t know where Earl was laid to rest.  But there is a church about 30 minutes from my house where there is a cemetery.  I go by it often. It’s in a tiny town in Ohio (I live just a few miles from the Ohio line).   Every time I drive by… and I do mean every time for the last many years I think to myself, “I think Earl is there.”  I’ve never stopped to look but just always felt that.

Even though Earl was on this earth for only 10 short years I have never forgotten him, his squeaky voice, the fact that he taught us the alphabet in sign language and that he loved “We all live in a Yellow Submarine.”  He made an impact on me and all of his friends.

Take a deep breath:  This story is about to take a turn.

As I said, I’ve never forgotten how to sign the alphabet.  I’m not fluent in the language at all, just the ABC’s.  And every time I use it I think of Earl. 

On December 7th, 2013 I photographed the most beautiful wedding.  Bryce and Renee were married on that beautiful December day.

Just as I was about to set-up the photo of Bryce, Renee and his God-parents, Lori, the mother of the groom came to me and explained that Bryce’s God mother, Terri Lynn, was hearing impaired. I looked at her and asked if she could read lips. Then I said “Hi” to her in sign.  Terri Lynn smiled big and then signed “I love you” to me. I signed it back and we hugged.  It was a sweet connection. But it was all due to my little friend Earl and the fact that he had a sister who was deaf – that I was able to communicate with Terri Lynn. Just after that I had Lori come interpret a really special story to Terri Lynn about another wedding that I photographed years ago which included the wedding vows being said in sign language.

The wedding went on and it was such a joy.  When the evening came to an end I said my goodbyes to the bride, groom, their families and also Terri Lynn.

Deep breath…………

That night as I was lying in bed I was thinking about the wedding and how beautiful it was in every way. Then I shot up in bed and thought. “WHAT IF…………. What IF………….. Terri Lynn was my friend Earl’s sister?”  I have goose bumps right this minute as I am typing it.  I couldn’t stop thinking about it.  I told my husband about it.  The next morning at church I shared it with a friend, including my pastor and his wife.  I just couldn’t get it out of my head.   How strange would it be if Terri Lynn was Earl’s sister.

The next morning I couldn’t get to the studio fast enough.  I grabbed the program from the wedding to look up the names of Bryce’s God-Parents.  I couldn’t believe it when I saw that Terri Lynn had the same last name as my friend Earl.  I grabbed the phone and called Lori – the mother of the groom, sister of Terri Lynn.

I shared the story of my little 4th grade friend with Lori.   Then there was silence…. Lori said, “That was our brother”.  Right now I have goose bumps reliving this moment and it has been over 3 months!

She shared how losing Earl rocked their world.  I assured her that he was never, ever forgotten and that he was even on my mind as I was talking with Terri Lynn at the wedding.  I told Lori that he was so special to all of his friends in school and also to his teachers.   We were both emotional on the phone.  I think that even though I had processed this entire scenario and ‘what if’ Terri Lynn was Earl’s sister – it was just such an overwhelming feeling to hear Lori say, “that was our brother.”

We continued to talk.  She asked if she could share this with her family. BY ALL MEANS yes! It was so important for them to know that the dear brother that they lost so long ago did make an impact on this world and he was never, ever forgotten.

As we talked I had to know about his final resting place. And as this story would be… he WAS indeed laid to rest in the tiny little Ohio cemetery that I’ve driven by many times over the years. Are you crying???  I have tears and goose bumps reliving this.

I share this story with you for a number of reasons.  But what I want to say is that each day matters.  What we do today matters, what we did in elementary school matters.  Sometimes we look at life like a big quilt. But we forget that the quilt was made with many threads.  Each day is a thread.  Who knew that the day Earl taught us sign language would impact his family so many years after his passing.  His little life was a part of the big picture today.

Have you ever heard of a God wink?  It’s God’s special way of showing us that He is looking out for us and cares about us in little ways.  A few years ago I read the book When God Winks by Squire Rushnell.  It confirmed my perspective on ‘coincidence’. This story was a God wink.  It wasn’t a coincidence. It was a gift to Earl’s family and also to me.

Two days after my precious phone conversation with Lori I got a call from a local Moms Support Group called MUMS (it stands for Moms uplifting Moms).  I was asked if I would come speak to the group.  I knew that I had to share about God Winks.  I looked forward to that January day when I could share with the ladies.  I shared several incidents in my life that were indeed God Winks. I saved the story of Earl for last.

But……………………….

Right before heading over to the church where the group meets I pulled up Facebook.  There in front of my eyes was this.  The status update from the Berne Chamber of Commerce.

I looked Heavenward and said, “ok buddy, I’ve got it!” I immediately emailed Renee and told her that this story just doesn’t stop!  I was encouraged knowing that I was meant to tell the story of Earl to the MUMS group.  As I shared Earl with the group of ladies I saw many eyes filling with tears as they were also reminded how each thread of our lives is woven to make a quilt.  Life is about the little moments (the threads) and also about the BIG picture.

I have this photo on my desk as a daily reminder of this special series of events in my life.  “Coincidentally” enough 2 days ago I had a bride and groom here for a wedding consultation. The groom Pete went to elementary school with Earl and I.  Pete was actually one of the young boys who was a pallbearer for Earl.  I told Pete and his precious fiance Camille that this story just does not stop.  Again – it is all part of the threads of life.

So today, with permission from the family I share this story with you. I hope it gives you joy. I also hope that it gives hope and comfort to those who have lost someone they love.  Somewhere on this planet someone is always remembering them. Just as I have always remembered Earl.

With Much Love,

Amy

41 comments

I really needed this, Amy. Thank you so much for sharing this story. It has been a blessing to me today.

Oh my do you have God breezes blowing in your life Amy. Thank you so much for sharing – and believing – and never forgetting – and of course, capturing the moments of our lives with grace and faith. Joyous Birthday to you!

WOW!! Thank you Amy. That was amazing. I can’t wait to share this with my small group!

What a great story…when I started reading I had no idea it was coming from someone I knew…nor did I know it was kind of about someone I knew (I work with Renee)

Amy what an awesome story and greater gift from above! You should feel very blessed!

What a lovely story! I too know Renee, so what a surprise to see her lovely wedding photo connected to this story. A God wink!

Amy I could not believe this story or the picture…as I know Terri Lynn very well. Plus I was in Terri’s sister’s wedding years ago. I remember the wreck that took the life of their brother. I was thinking that I went to his viewing. Wow I haven’t thought of that for a long time. I haven’t seen Terri Lynn in a long time. Next time I see you I want to ask you about the family. I am really sure that I know them. 🙂 Thanks for sharing this memory and picture…brought back many memories for me today.

I remember his smile and laugh and I loved his sqeeky voice. He was a sweet. person

Wow AMY this is an amazing story (God Wink) LOVE IT!! YOU ARE A BLESSING CUZ

I know Terri-lynn..she used to be my neighbor and friend. Your so correct miss Amy of how each life we come into contact with binds each thread together in everyone of our lives.. thank you for sharing. Im also thankful to call your sister Missy a very close friend. I love her to pieces and am so thankful for her.

God Winks for certain. I’ve read the same book and see his winks all around now. If I’m not mistaken, the wedding photo above was taken in St. Henry Catholic Church — where I grew up and was married many years ago. This is amazing. Thank you for sharing!

Happy Birthday!!!! I love ya.. I clicked on the picture because I thought that boy looked familiar, and I remember when that happened. And to my surprise it was my sister who wrote it.

Yes, Amy he was my classmate too! The accident happen right down the road where I lived. I have never forgotten him. He was a super sweet little boy.

She looks so familiar. I believe the first time I saw her signing and signed to her, her jaw dropped. If she’s the one I think she is that is. I try to talk to her anytime I see her, but its so rare.

What an awesome tribute. So nice for you to share it!!! I remember Earl through my siblings, always a nice kid who was well-liked.

Amy, I know you and this story is wonderful!!! I am going to look up that book. I believe God uses everything in our lives for something. Thank you for sharing on your birthday!!! what a special gift you shared with us!!! Love you!!!!

And so the threads of life sew us all together. This type of thing has happened many times to me! Thank you.

Beautifully told. Amazing story. Our God is always active. This story is great evidence that He is not passive and He does not forget. 🙂

Amy, you told us this story some time ago, but it was good to read it also. Reminds us of how much God loves us. Thanks for sharing it again. I didn’t catch all of it when you told us, so now I have the complete story. Hugs!!

Beautiful story, I remember Earl from the extended Huelskamp family reunions, although he was alittle younger than me, I remember his energetic spirit. My brother and I would play with him since he was closer in age than most of the other cousins. My parents would often talk to his parents when they would meet at weddings or gatherings. Very kind and caring family, much like Earl. Earl’s sister Lori, her husband and daughter came to the hospital to visit my dad the night before he passed away, about 5 years ago, and Lori’s son Brad bought my parents house when we sold it. I think it was awesome seeing someone we know move in. Seeing your post brought many memories;), I remember Earl’s viewing as well, it was the first young funeral I attended. Thanks again.

I remember my grandmother telling me time and time again that Earl was so excited to meet his first nephew which was not meant to be, he was in the accident a short time before I was born!! My grandmother being his mom and I being that nephew!! Wow…this is so hard to write! Thank you for sharing!!

This story has me in tears, as I was reading it, it was all to coincidental. We too knew Earl, his sister Lori and her husband Mike were our friends and Softball was where we first met Earl. He was the best bat boy and youngster the team had. It was a funeral we will never forget. His family had grown a lot since then and he is still in our hearts and thoughts. Thank you for sharing this wonderful, awesome story.

Amy, THANK you so much for sharing! When you read something like this on Facebook, you usually have no clue who the person is. Well I took one look at the picture and the name, and I knew that I knew who he was without even reading the story. I was about the same age as him. I remember playing with him. My parents were friends with his parents. We lived approximately 40 minutes away. Being that my mother passed away over 30 years ago, we never really saw the family much after that. It was such a Hugh blessing to be reminded of the entire family. Absolutely Loved his mother!!! Again THANKS!! You are a true blessing!

Oh WOW! That’s so true, when you read stories like this on the internet, they are never someone you know. I am so glad you had the opportunity to know Earl and that your families were friends. I just can’t help but think how many lives he is touching after all of these years! Blessings to you and yours, Amy

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