Clayton was a beautiful young man that loved life including his friends, younger brother James, and family. He had a great sense of humor and was highly creative in the arts - music and visual. Clayton was shy until you got to know him well. He was an avid reader!

Our son Clayton died four days after receiving his driver's license as a result of new driver error, in other words inexperience. Clayton had taken driver's education, driven with us for a year prior to getting his license, had a 3 point plus average in high school and held a part-time job. We required him to earn the money for his car insurance. We believed we had
done everything we could to insure he was prepared to drive safely.

Clayton was coming home from school and one wheel went off the road. We do not know why. I am sure we have all done this at some time while changing the radio station, drinking a coke, or just not paying attention. Clayton was inexperienced and over corrected. As a result, he was t-boned by another vehicle and suffered severe brain injuries. It was an accident and caused by inexperience.

Clayton was transported to the hospital and I received the call no parent ever wants to receive. The chaplain called and said, "Clayton is here and he needs you." Clayton died the next day, declared brain dead. Clayton told us he wanted to be an organ donor and we respected his decision. As a result, approximately 43 people are living full lives. Clayton was able to
donate his heart, one kidney, his liver, bones, tissues, and eyes. Clayton was a recycler from a young age with cans and compost. He became the ultimate recycler in this death by donation.

Clayton's father, brother and I miss Clayton daily and always will. The pain of losing a child does not go away; however, life does go on. We believe we are tasked with living our lives to the fullest in Clayton's honor. We never want another family to go through the death of losing a child.

Donate life, become and organ and tissue donor. Don't take your organs to Heaven, Heaven knows we need them here! Share your life, share your decision. Talk to your family about donation now.