For Hannah

On Tuesday, November 1st, the world lost a woman who will be missed even by those who never met her. Hannah Eimers, you were an artist, a jokester, a writer, a young lady, a role model, a friend. Your song stopped playing far too soon. Your melody lingers, the lyrics echo, the love you put into each note and word will forever be in so many hearts. We miss you Hannah. My God do we miss you.

I first met Hannah as her teacher. I was a volunteer at a local homeschool co-op, while she was a young student. Always punching above her weight, she tackled assignments and topics kids many years her senior seemed to have trouble with. Her grades were excellent, and her ability to be both a silly kid and a mature young lady never ceased to amaze me. Hannah graduated the 12th grade at 15.

As time went on, I became Hannah's mentor. She was a budding young writer, and we eagerly swapped story ideas and techniques, and frequently critiqued each other's work. Hannah and I also spent a good amount of time in conversation concerning our faith, and she was always ready with a tough to answer question, along with her own ideas and observations. 

And then, as Hannah matured into a young adult, we became friends. Being Hannah's friend was easy as she brought so much light and love into a room, you almost couldn't help it. 

Hannah wanted to work in film. She interned with a production company, and worked on Burt Reynolds's upcoming movie "Dog Years." Never one to be "star struck," she interacted with Mr. Reynolds and the other stars in the film as though they were simply new found friends. She even brought her pet hedgehog to the set to meet Ariel Winter.  

​But now Hannah is no longer with us. On November 1st, Hannah passed away in a car accident. Her eyes have now beheld Him. Hers have seen the one aspect of Him that only she can reflect. She has her stone, her new name that only she and God will know. They say only the good die young, and such is certainly the case here. She did more to reflect God's Light in her short time on earth than I have done in 48 years. You will be missed Hannah Eimers. You already are...

---