### Taking the First Steps

The dim porch light cast long shadows across the Bingham's front yard as the night wore on, a stark contrast to the warmth and laughter that usually filled this space. I stood there, surrounded by the people I cared about, trying to process the news that had brought us all together. Justin's passing was a shock, a harsh reminder of how fragile life could be. As we stood there, frozen in grief, I could see the pain etched on every face. Ryler, usually the jokester, had a somber expression, while Krew looked like he was trying to hold it together. Brex and Hazy, the younger siblings, seemed to be in a daze, their eyes wide with confusion. Across the street, Lindsey and her kids were huddled together, their faces a picture of despair. Madi's arm was still wrapped around my shoulders, and I could feel her shaking as she tried to hold back tears. I pulled her closer, trying to offer what little comfort I could. Branden, Madi's dad, cleared his throat and spoke up, his voice shaking with emotion. "We need to get everyone inside. We have a lot to talk about, and some decisions to make." As we filed into the house, I was struck by the sense of community that filled the room. The Binghams were more than just a family - they were a tribe, and they had welcomed me into their fold with open arms. As we sat down in the living room, Mindy, Madi's stepmom, stood up and began to speak. "We need to start making arrangements for the funeral. Lindsey and the kids will need our support, and we need to make sure that we can give Justin the sendoff he deserves." The room fell silent as everyone began to process the logistics of planning a funeral. I sat there, listening to the conversation, feeling a sense of numbness wash over me. It was Turin, Justin's oldest son, who spoke up next. His voice was shaking, but he stood tall, his eyes red from crying. "My dad would want us to celebrate his life, not just mourn his passing. He loved adventure, and he loved the outdoors. I think we should do something that reflects that." The room fell silent again, as everyone began to think about Turin's words. I could see the wheels turning in Madi's head as she thought about how to honor her uncle's memory. As we sat there, trying to come up with a plan, I couldn't help but think about my own family back in North Carolina. They were a complicated bunch, and I had often felt like an outsider. But the Binghams had taken me in, and I had found a sense of belonging with them. I looked around the room, taking in the faces of the people I cared about. We were all in this together, and I knew that I would do whatever it took to support them. As the night wore on, we began to make plans for the funeral. We would hold it at the outdoor amphitheater in the nearby park, and have a celebration of life that would reflect Justin's love of adventure. As I left the Bingham's house that night, I felt a sense of determination wash over me. I would be there for my friends, and I would help them honor Justin's memory in the best way possible. As I drove back to my dorm, I couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey. But I was ready to face it head-on, as long as I had the Binghams by my side.