A Life Taken.

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it. Life is beauty, admire it. Life is a dream, realize it. Life is a challenge, meet it. Life is a game, play it. Life is a promise, fulfill it. Life is sorrow, overcome it. Life is a song, sing it. Life is a struggle, accept it. Life is a tragedy, confront it. Life is an adventure, dare it. Life is too precious, do not destroy it. Life is life, fight for it. -Mother Teresa

Today we lost a life. A life that was tiny, but was a huge integral part of this world. Jace was a 3 year old little machine...a force to be reckoned with. His mother, Leslie, made sure he got all the love and hugs and kisses in the world. I believe wholeheartedly that she is also the reason he was so strong, so determined, and such a force!

Today will forever be in my memory. The day a life was taken. Jace wasn't just playing one day and then fell. Jace was murdered. Someone decided to shake him violently and take his life from him, from his mother, from his family! I cannot begin to imagine how Leslie and her family are even coping-or how they will continue to cope from this day forth without their precious Jace. I am having a hard time not crying and staying calm, and I'm not even his parent. I don't know if I could be as strong as Leslie has been throughout this. I don't know if I could endure this with half the grace she has.

Jace was an amazing boy. His smile was infectious, his laughter so cute! He had a light in his eyes that was undeniably put there by the caring nature of his mother and by his own mischievous nature. (Nurtured by his mother no doubt! LOL) He was a sweet, kind soul, with a beautiful heart and a playful nature. He had his moments, as most children do, but even those were laughable and memorable!!!

Jace, you are loved and missed.

Leslie, anything you need, if I can provide it, I will.

Lord, wrap your arms around Leslie & her family. Cloak them in your love, your peace, and your strength. Give them your shoulder to cry on, your arms to run into, your lap to sit in, and your words to live by. You will take good care of Jace, we know this. It is hard to accept that he is in a better place because he is not here with his family, but acceptance will come in time. It is hard to let him go because he was so amazing and special, and they want him here with them. Surround them Lord, in this hard time. Thank you Lord, for your grace, your mercy, and your never-ending love. Amen.

RIP

Jace Burgess

6/16/2010