George...

Looking at the smile on this child's face should make every mother, especially the ones that have boys, smile. The mussed up hair, the jersey fresh from a game and that face alight with the joy of victory!

Looking at this photo right now reminds me of why I love little boys... and it breaks my heart. This is George. A beautiful little guy that should still be here... but is not.

George made quite an impression on my daughter. They were classmates and friends. Yesterday, she sat next to an empty desk, and called me crying. She couldn't bare to stay at school. There is a void in that classroom that is as lonely and sad as the void that she feels in her heart.

"George used to stand his pencils up on the edge, on his desk and I would lean over and knock them down." My quiet daughter revealed to me later that night, with a huge grin. "He would just turn his head and give me this look! He was so funny!" Caroline, my daughter, has shared quit a few of these little glimpses into how their lives were every day at school. Then, quickly, like a curtain falling across a window, her face will loose expression and she will stare. Remembering that he is gone. She is mourning, the way none of his classmates should have to, the way his parents and family should never have to.

Heartless and cruel, these turns of events are. Without a thought of how those who knew this boy will begin to heal. The boy with the smiling face in this photo... they will never forget him... nor should they... they don't want to... he meant too much to too many...

I didn't know George, but I know he will be missed. God bless his friends and family. May God hold him close and love him, keeping him safe, warm and happy until he is reunited with those left behind.