From Rick Karle Good News:

It was 4 days ago when snow fell near Ashland (AL) First Baptist Church.

It didn't stop them from arriving at the church from everywhere.

Officers from the Lineville and Ashland Police Departments.

Clay County Sheriffs.

State troopers and officers from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA).

Law enforcement from Clay County, Randolph County and Cleburne County.

State troopers from just over the state line in Georgia.

One of theirs had lost his daughter.

Alabama State Trooper Charles "CC" Wilson did his best as they said goodbye to Lily.

Lily had died 10 days prior (January 21st), and the Wilson's hometown of Lineville was in shock.

Trooper Wilson hugged his other children Isabella and Kaelan.

How do you explain a beautiful life gone at the age of 17?

Lily Wilson loved running and gardening, cheerleading and dance, majorette practice and schoolwork.

Lily was a straight A student at Central High School in Lineville.

She loved her new part-time job at McDonald's.

She dreamed of going to medical school and becoming a neurologist.

Lily Wilson took her own life on January 21st.

Trooper Charles Wilson dropped to his knees upon hearing the news that his daughter was gone.

Lily's siblings and aunts and uncles and good friends couldn't understand.

They leaned on one another for comfort.

Lily's aunt Josie Wilson talked with me last night, and she recalled what she wrote days ago as she joined a community to say goodbye to Lily.

"Last Saturday was the coldest day I can remember. As we drove in the funeral procession behind Lily, the snow fell heavily from the sky- it was pouring around us. Yet, the sun was shining brightly at the same time. I had never witnessed anything like that.

"In that moment, it felt as if Heaven itself was near- it was as if God was reminding us that even our darkest grief, His presence and His light have not left us.

"Though we were surrounded by sorrow and loss, there was a quiet peace connected through it all- a peace that could only come from Him."

While there is nothing good about this story, Josie reminded me of the goodness of those who loved Lily, and the goodness of the law enforcement officers who arrived at the church from everywhere to tell Trooper Wilson that he was loved.

"The outpouring of love for Lily and her family reminded us of the good people in this world," whispered Josie.

"I've never seen anything like it."

*If you or someone you know have suicidal thoughts, call or text the Suicide And Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.