After the week at Boys’ State is over, the most memorable moments are the ones that stay with you — the moments that challenge you and make you consider the man you want to become.

Brian Wyman shared the story of his son and his message with the Boys’ State citizens. His message wasn’t meant to provide comfort or easy listening, but it reached the hearts of every citizen in attendance.

Although Kurt Wyman wasn’t the perfect kid growing up, ever since the Sept. 11 attacks, he had wanted to join the Marines. Just three days after graduating from high school, he left home for boot camp and later married his high school sweetheart.

Later, Wyman joined the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 11, 2007, serving as a patrol deputy at the Sheriff’s Waterville Field Office. During the early morning hours of June 7, 2011, Kurt responded to a domestic dispute, where he encountered a man chasing his girlfriend with a loaded shotgun. The encounter led to a six-hour standoff that ultimately resulted in Deputy Kurt Wyman’s death.

In keeping with the purpose of Brian’s message, this is not where the story ends for the Wyman family. The day Kurt was shot was also the day his daughter entered the world. The Wyman family was faced with the unimaginable responsibility of welcoming a newborn child while simultaneously planning a funeral.

Every choice has consequences, whether good or bad. People do not get to choose the consequences of their actions. On June 7, 2011, the man involved had the opportunity to put down the shotgun and cooperate. Instead, he made a choice that forever changed the lives of everyone who knew Kurt Wyman.

Your choices are never made in a bubble. They ripple outward and affect far more people than you may ever realize.

As Brian Wyman reminded the citizens, “People make choices they aren’t proud of… learn from it.” The choices we make, and the consequences that follow shape our character. Take this opportunity to reflect on the choices you have made and the choices you will make in the future.