On September 26, 2019, in the rural town of Thomson, Georgia, Bryson Isaiah Dinger turned 16-years-old. Bryson's mother, Tasha Daniel, and Bryson went early that morning for their traditional mother-son birthday breakfast. After breakfast, they went back home to pick up Bostyn Matthew Dinger, 14-years-old, and Bella Daniella Dinger, 12-years-old, for school. As they approached the traffic light at the school intersection in Bryson's black Nissan X-terra, Bryson turned into the path of an oncoming 18-wheeler. The accident immediately claimed the lives of Bostyn and Bella. Bryson sustained fatal injuries from the accident and succumbed to those injuries just after midnight on September 27, 2019. The accident left Tasha in critical condition and she was transported to a nearby trauma center where God used a myriad of medical professionals to restore her health. After thirty-five days, Tasha miraculously walked out of the hospital after many major surgeries and hours of rehabilitation.
Bryson was a joy to be around. His contagious laugh and huge smile was enough to draw in everyone around him. He was small-in-stature yet courageous in heart. He loved big in life and in death. In life, he sought to encourage others especially younger kids in our children's ministry at church. In death, both of his kidneys and his eyes were able to be donated to three separate recipients. Bryson was headstrong. As a young child, he challenged the most patient. As he matured, this tenacity served him well in his approach to life as he excelled in everything to which he put his mind. He was incredibly bright. At times, he demanded perfection of himself. His expectations for perfection often frustrated him, but he didn't hold others to that standard. He offered grace to those around him. Even so, Bryson was not one to bite his tongue and would make sure you were aware of inconsistencies in what you say and what you do. He enjoyed video games with friends most, but his natural athleticism allowed him to engage in fierce competition with any body that thought they could beat him. These fierce battles were more often than not with his brother, Bostyn. The two unwittingly helped each other grow in the best of ways.
Bostyn was the most humble young man you could ever know. His smile could light up a room. He was a grateful person. Rarely, did he think of himself before others. If you needed an extra hand to complete a task, he was always willing to help and wasn't afraid of hard work. Although as a child, he was quiet and reserved. In his teenage years, he blossomed into a jokester and self-proclaimed comedian. Even though he delighted in making others laugh, he was, also, wise and mature beyond his years. He was a fierce protector and aggravator of his sister, Bella. He was the iron that sharpened his brother, Bryson, all their lives. He loved to sing. He would sing at the top of his lungs without shame! He knew all the new dances. Along with his brother and sister, they would give family quite a show in the living room. He was so proud of his long flowing hair. His 'do and demeanor led to him being playfully referred to as "Sunshine."
Bella was the only girl in a house of "stinky" boys as she often referred to them. She was her momma's mini-me in so many ways that she earned the name "Little Tasha" from her brothers early in life because she always bossed them around. Bella and Tasha shared a special bond that made them friends as well as mother-daughter. She never failed to keep her mom in check if she had a hair out of place. As sweet and considerate a little girl as you'd ever find, she was a friend to everyone she met. She looked for every opportunity to give. Her thoughtfulness may come in the form of your favorite candy or, perhaps, something she crafted for you. Her creativity was her passion. She began drawing years ago. The drawing of a tearful eye at the top of this page was in her body of work. She began painting the summer before the accident and demonstrated that she was a gifted artist. She reluctantly entered her paintings into a local art show, even painting a piece on-site. To her surprise, she won the People's Choice Award. To have her passion and talent recognized by others blessed her beyond words. She had the most genuine laugh imaginable. Between the snorting and crinkled-nosed gasping for air, you'd easily think her laugh was fake, but you'd be so wrong. You'd find yourself joining in the laughter even if you didn't know what was funny. She adored babies and would patiently delight in every opportunity to sit in our church's nursery to help with the babies there.
