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If you have tried to contact us in the last couple of weeks and things seemed a little crazy here, it is because half of the office had to rush to Arizona. On July 25, 2007, my adored little grandson passed away in Casa Grande, apparently of SIDS.

I have yet to come to terms with this tragedy, but working helps me from losing my mind. He was a remarkable child and my heart is forever broken.

The following is his eulogy.

July 30, 2007

Deborah A. Seivers

A Letter To My Grandson

Dear Oliver, my precious little man,

From the very moment that I looked into your eyes, though I was thousands of miles away from you, I knew that you were an extraordinary baby. You were far more awake and alert than any other newborn that I had ever seen. When I finally got to hold you in my arms, you quietly studied my face for the longest time, like you were trying to memorize every detail.

I pulled Mama’s rocking chair up to the side of your crib that first night and held your little hand. I would doze off now and then, and every time I awoke, you were watching me; shining a light on my heart and looking right into my soul.

We are all here because you touched us all. We all carry a special memory of a special moment with you. And, so, in return for all that you gave to us, we all make these promises to you today, Oliver – our precious little man.

• We will not become splintered with sorrow – we will honor your happiness by welcoming joy into our hearts.

And, then, we will pass it on.

• We will not descend into despair – we will honor your exuberance by rocking to the music of our lives.

And, then, we will pass it on.

• We will not become worn with weariness – we will honor your endless energy by stepping eagerly into each new day.

And, then, we will pass it on.

• We will not deaden our hurt to dullness – we will honor your curiosity by exploring that which is new and different to us.

And, then, we will pass it on.

• We will not be broken by bitterness – we will honor your sweetness with a smile for a stranger.

And, then, we will pass it on.

• We will not succumb to stupidity – we will honor your intelligence by seeking wisdom and growth.

And, then, we will pass it on.

• We will not infix ourselves in isolation – we will honor your friendliness by reaching out to each other.

And, then, we will pass it on.

• We will not become fractured by fear – we will honor your sense of daring by attempting that which daunts us.

And, then, we will pass it on.

• We will not anchor ourselves with anger – we will honor that twinkle in your eye with the acceptance that dark days will sometimes come into all of our lives.

And, then, we will pass it on.

• We will not harden ourselves with hate – we will honor your love by holding each other close.

And, then, we will pass it on.

So, you see, my dear Oliver, my precious little man, by all of us keeping these promises that we make to you here today, your little life will change the world.

And, now, I understand, my sweet little Ollie Boo, why it was so important to you that I listen to what your bright little eyes were saying to my soul.

Love always – until we meet again.

Grandma D