“It is all true. There is a God and there is a place we go when we leave this world.”

Trula, if you do not recognize the name, this is Robert D’Angina. I hope you do not mind the message, but I have been meaning to contact you for a long time. I know this must have been a tough weekend for you, but I want to share something with you that only a handful of people know. Your son, Scott, changed my life and I am forever in his debt.

You probably never knew much about my family, but we were blessed with many challenges when I was young. I started down a dark path at an early age, trying to fill the emptiness in my heart. I remember always looking up to your kids. Scott was my age, but a grade younger. All of the kids in High School knew who he was and we all had tremendous respect for him. Scott and I were always good friends and he always set a good example for me.

I remember waking up Monday morning, September 10th, and hearing my mom recount the tragic event. I hit my knees and poured out my soul to Heavenly Father. I pleaded with him to save Scott and take me in his place. I did not believe I had anything to offer this world, and I knew Scott had so much potential. I finally made my way to the hospital and found comfort through the friends that were there.

I will never forget sitting outside his room as you walked out. I stood up and knew that he had just passed away. At that moment, I heard an audible voice in my head; I do not know if it was the Holy Ghost or if it was actually Scott speaking to me. The voice said, “It is all true. There is a God and there is a place we go when we leave this world.”

At that moment, I received a witness that God lives, and I felt his overwhelming love. This was something I spent several years looking for, but in all of the wrong places. Right then, I made a covenant that I would give up all of my sins in order to go to the place Scott was going. I am proud to tell you that I have been true to my promise.

That year was a difficult year; I lost everything I once thought was so important. Many of my friends stopping hanging out with me, and even my girlfriend ended up leaving me. Even though I was alone, my heart was filled with the love of my Savior. Scott’s example and final testimony led me to the only path that brings true happiness, and my life has never been the same.

The events of 9/11 led me to join the armed forces, and since then I have spent two years overseas. I met my sweet wife while in the military and we were sealed in the Oakland Temple. We now have four beautiful children, all born in a happy home.

I currently conduct security operations and personal protection for the Church in Salt Lake, and my testimony of Christ is deepened with every passing day.

I know that it is hard to lose a loved one, but it was not in vain. Scott’s death brought me a new life… his testimony saved me. Thank you for raising such a wonderful young man and I look forward to the day I can offer my gratitude to him personally.

May God bless you for your kindness and for the wonderful job you did in raising your children. I love you and I love your family.

Robert.

Photos From Josh

Josh Hamilton was kind enough to send these today! Enjoy!!

Scott, 4 years old

On the 10th anniversary of the day Scott left us, I thought it fitting to post something light-hearted, because that is probably what he would've wanted. I found this cute video, and had to share it with you all. If you ever feel like you really want to re-live the essence of Scott though, you should all go read Bob Cunningham's eulogy on this site. Scott feels alive to me again when I read Bob's thoughtful words. Hope you enjoy the video! Much love. -Aimee

He Would Have Been 27

He would have been twenty-seven today
but it's no good to imagine
what could have been
It's no good to try and take my mind places
it has no business journeying

We used to be five, now we're four
but it's no good to mourn
now that time has passed
It's no good to wish for the time back
when I have no right to that wish

I used to feel much more invincible
but it's no good to pretend
that the future can't hurt
It's much better to learn from the past
and to know that I'm stronger because of it