This is the poem I read at Atticus' service...
The Brave Little Soul
By John Alessi
Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love He saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, “Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?” God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean,” he asked.” God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.” The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in people’s hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love – to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity." Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you. God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.” Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God’s strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys – some regained lost faith – many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.
..WE LOVE YOU ATTICUS..
YOU TRULY ARE OUR BRAVE LITTLE SOUL xoxo, Mom and Dad
22 comments:
How perfect.
Amazing people you are to have such a beautiful perspective shining through your grief. May god bless and give you peace always.
Absolutely beautiful! Had distance not been a concern, I would have loved to attend Atticus' funeral. My heart was definitely there! May you be blessed for the love your family has extended out to others, just as you have been blessed by the love of so many. Great story!
Tears!
Your little boy, God's brave little soul, worked his miracle with me, a stranger in North Carolina. I am with you in your gratitude and grief.
Rachel
The world IS a better place because of Atticus! It was such a perfect poem for him. Really, there was so much love behind the words you and Eric spoke yesterday, it was all absolutely beautiful and perfect. Y'all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers...
What a beautiful poem I am in tears reading this. Atticus story will always be in my heart his story has taught me so much especially to be extra patient and loving to my two boys. Atticus is truly a brave soul....
It is so perfect. And the way you shared it yesterday was perfect and flawless. Today in testimony mtg Heather Earl talked about how beautiful the funeral was yesterday and how it was like being in the temple...so sacred and full of the spirit. That's exactly how I felt, too. Thanks for sharing this. You are in my prayers.
My sister Emily told me about your little Atticus and I have followed your family's difficult journey with his illness since February. I have a friend whose 4 year old daughter passed away in February after being run over by a car. If you ever feel alone, read her blog (evansedition.blogspot.com). You are not alone. May our Heavenly Father be with you always. Atticus was SO brave and thank you for letting me into your life to read about him. Much love, Nancy in Riverton, Utah.
“Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.”. Love this! Thank you for sharing your sweet little Atticus with us. He truly has unlocked so much love-- SO MUCH LOVE! Perfect peom for a perfect brave little soul.
So true. So perfectly, beautify true. In tears of love and admiration in Georgia!
Your family and the Love you share has touched me and my family. We will Always remember Atticus.
Thank you Cindy and Eric. I will never forget the impact Atticus had on my life. Your story will have a ripple effect that will continue to touch people for the rest of their lives. Countless strangers were all united in prayer because of little Atticus. He truly was a modern day miracle. Thank you for sharing that which was most precious. I hope one day to shake your hands and express in person my deep sense of love and gratitude.
Sweet Atticus touched our lives, too...strangers here in WA. We are grateful for the gospel, that families can be together forever, and for the knowledge that our Father in Heaven knows and loves us. We pray for your family and are grateful to you for sharing your experiences. I held my almost 4 year old tight and cried bittersweet tears the night Atticus returned to our Father in Heaven. His life and your example has helped us all reflect on what is truly important.
Beautiful!
beautiful. just beautiful. in our testimony meeting today, everyone that stood up stated how grateful they were to know that families are forever... i couldnt help think that they might have been thinking about sweet atticus today as well. we will continue to pray for you eric and chunkers!
So beautiful. Atticus has touched so many lives. He is a blessed baby :)
That is just so perfect.
Beautiful. God bless Atticus and your family. Love from a stranger in Michigan
love and prayers for your amazing family.
How perfect. Thank you for your examples and strength Atticus and family! I am a friend of Rosie's and I have been so touched by your family. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Atticus is exactly that little soul. He has worked miracles of love and perspective in my life and in that of my family. This morning, the last day of school, instead of reading scriptures, we chose to read about our friend Atticus that we have never met. Our hearts are so full of love and our eyes full of tears. Thank you for the beautiful reminder of how we should start our day--grateful, humble, courageous, and full of love for each other. Atticus is OUR hero--we speak of this little angel regularly and we too, look forward to the day when we can meet him and thank him for the reminding us of what is most important. With sincerest sympathy, we send our love to you. The Peers Family, Park City, UT
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