Remember to always appreciate the good

Given on June 4, 2004

One of Max’s many gifts was his ever-present smile. Max smiled

because he knew the secret: we are better than we think we are.

In our town today, we are all part of Max’s family. Each of us

mourn this terrible loss, yet each of us will be changed for the

better. His happy life cut short will remind us to appreciate life’s

precious gifts.

Many of Max’s school mates have been together almost all of their

lives. In school, they were taught many valuable lessons. Today, I

want to share some of the lessons Max taught us.

One of the happiest days of his life was spent on a mission trip

to Molokai last April. The surf was 10 foot and dangerous. No one

could get through the chop or dared go out. Except Max. Max always

rode the biggest waves. For him, it was surfing paradise: he spent

four hours doing what he loved best.

Such physical courage was matched by his physical beauty. In his

case, body and soul were equally beautiful. Max possessed a strong

faith in himself and in God. He had high moral standards and didn’t

care what others thought. He didn’t go to parties ... because he

didn’t drink or take drugs. He found fun without either. And he

surrounded himself with a group of friends who shared these values.

Max was single-minded when he wanted to be. And he was passionate

about the things he loved. From surfing ... to video games ... to

playing the electric guitar.

Max always wanted to be first. He beat his brother and his parents

and his grandmothers to heaven.

God blessed us with Max for nearly 17 years; nothing bad can come

from such goodness. We weren’t ready for Max to go. But Max was

ready, prepared by his faith.

In remembering Max, we will keep his spirit alive within us. I

know the way I live my life will be better in the aftermath of Max’s

death: more alive; more tolerant; and more appreciative of the

precious son who lives.

Take the way Max lived and make his ideals your own; a life with

less sadness and more joy; with less doubt and more faith; with less

fear and more courage.

And don’t forget to smile.

-- CAROLEN AND JAMES SADLER’S eulogy for their son, MAXWELL