The Death of an Angel

"Think of your child; then, not as dead, but as living; not as a flower that has withered, but as one that is transplanted, and touched by a divine hand, is blooming in richer colors and sweeter shades than those on earth."
~ Richard Hooker~

“There's no tragedy in life like the death of a child. Things never get back to the way they were." ~ Dwight David Eisenhower~


Can one ever Overcome the death of a child? I stood silently as so many people promised my friends that they would get over it in time. I wondered how many had lost a child? How many had Overcome the grief? I reasoned that there was nothing at all that I could do for my friends except be there for them if they needed me and try to do my part for the others who would need food and coffee and an occasional laugh as they visited us in a house full of tears and despair. For you see I do not understand. I still have my children. I can only imagine the depth of their grief. I have a very good imagination.. Their grief and despair I believe would reach deeper than any of us who have not suffered it could even begin to understand. Deeper than even my wild imagination.But Hopefully not deeper than My love for them and Kelby!


I always went in the door closest to him. I talked to him though many did not. I trusted that he understood me though he never answered me with words. I loved the light in his eyes when he would smile at something you whispered to him. I Loved the smile he shared with his Mother when she would sing to him. I loved to see him respond to his Daddy and sister. We will all miss him. But we are thankful for being allow to borrow a special one for such a short while.......



~The Death of an Angel~


Sorrow detonates.
Pulling at my sleeping form.
Oddly Humble.
In the Golden Light.
Why do I weep?


An earthy brook swirls
twisting and turning
under the snowy white bridge.
Grandma's Beckon.
Hurry home child!


The Frog never stood a chance
Grabbed by one back leg.
And stuffed into a pocket.
As bare feet bounded
onto the golden streets.


"You are my Sunshine"
A young mans voice Calls
to those who weep.
"My Only Sunshine"
His rich, deepening voice adds.

Running, hopping,
stopping to turn a few flips
before Dancing
into the Golden glowing light.

A sense of peace and Love
overwhelming: fills my own soul.
As my hand struggles
fighting it's way from dream world
reaching for the Jingle
calling to it.

Pulling my mind
back to Earth.

Eyes turning to the clock.
Eyes wide open now
I lift the phone to hear
the Broken Father sob
"Kelby is no Longer with us"
and I now know
that I have witnessed
the Death of an angel.


written By : Patricia Sawyer
8-13-2008




Kelby Ray Stone
BARNWELL — Kelby Ray Stone, 13, son of Clifton Ray and Sheri Stanley Stone died Friday, August 1, 2008, at his home.
Kelby was born September 13, 1994, in Orangeburg, SC. He attended the Barnwell Public School Special Education Class. He was a loving son, brother, and grandson and will be missed by all of his family and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Monday, August 4, 2008, at Trinity Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 Sunday evening at Mole Funeral Home.
Survivors include his parents of Barnwell; a sister, Karissa Stone of Barnwell, SC; paternal grandparents, Nancy Holder, Billy and Barbara Stone of Sanford, NC; maternal grandparents, Marvin and Kay Stanley of Barnwell, SC. He was predeceased by His maternal grandmother, Marilyn Bowers.