Mitchell Honeycutt

The date was October 29, 2000.  The worst day of our lives. My husband, Steve, and our son, Mitchell, 12, went to South Texas hunting with our friends. Our chiropractor, Doc and his son Jason, 13, were excited to take my guys for a fun filled weekend. 

Steve had to return on Saturday evening for church on Sunday but Mitchell chose to stay and enjoy another night with friends.

On Sunday morning shortly before the three of them were planning to head home, Doc had a few things to load and allowed the boys just “10 more minutes.”  They rode off on their full size 4-wheelers with no helmets.  Moments later Doc heard Jason scream and he knew something wasn’t right. 

Jason and Mitchell had been riding in a large circle on rocky terrain when Jason realized he didn’t hear Mitchell behind him. So he stopped and turned off his 4-wheeler.  When he still heard nothing, he turned around to look for Mitchell.  Jason told us later that Mitchell was standing by the overturned 4-wheeler and seemed to be attempting to upright it.  Mitchell turned to look at Jason, apparently had a seizure and fell to his death.

Jason called for his Dad who came running and performed CPR while they waited for an ambulance.  The first one got lost in the desolate area and another was dispatched to arrive an hour later.  It didn’t matter though.  Mitchell had died immediately.  The blunt trauma to his head had caused  a closed head injury that burst when he stood up.

We were notified that Mitchell was in critical condition and were blessed to fly in a friends’ plane to the hospital in Del Rio, Texas.  Upon our arrival we were told Mitchell had not made it.  I’m still not sure how I managed to stand up thru all of it.  The thought of the pain still causes trauma to my heart.

Standing over the casket of my 12 year old son is something that changed me forever.  The road to healing has been tough but we have found faith and strength in Jesus Christ.  Mitchell left two amazing brothers, Justin and Spencer.  We all miss him every day as he was such a bright and joyful young man.   He loved soccer, football and baseball.  He wasn’t the best but he had the biggest heart and tried harder than any kid I’ve ever known!  Mitchell was an inspiration and he still is today.  He loved Jesus with everything he had and was a true example to us all.

We know where he is and we know that we will join him again one day.  I am always working to heal from the anger of losing my son and I think I’m making progress.  I was never a fan of ATV’s and didn’t allow my kids to ride them.  I certainly never would have allowed him to ride off without a helmet.  It’s hard.

I know that thru this experience we have found healing and restoration at a level we would have never known.  I believe in and look forward to the day when my family is restored in heaven.  I’m working to let go of the things I don’t understand and trust that God must get glory in everything. 

I’ve only recently learned of this group and I am so blessed to be a part.  Perhaps we can make awareness to others and cause others to think about the dangers of ATV’s and youngsters.

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