Jaeden’s Story

On October 4th, 2017, we lost Jaeden at just 3 years of age due to child abuse. Jaeden (my loving and loved grandson) was left under the care of his mother’s boyfriend, who reacted emotionally & physically to Jaeden crying, which ultimately led to Jaeden’s death.

With all the wonderful fun and happy memories I have of Jaeden, I will never forget the last day of his life. I remember climbing onto the hospital bed to lay down next to him, his head half shaven because of the brain surgery that was performed without success. As I lay next to Jaeden, I sang “You are my Sunshine” and I spoke to him about Jesus and Heaven...the place he would soon be going to where no one would ever hurt him again, he wouldn’t be in pain or cry anymore. A place where big Grandpa was waiting for him and would be there to meet him. I spoke to him about Jesus who loved him more than any of us ever could, Jesus, Who would soon be holding him on his lap and wiping away his tears. It was at that moment that I saw a tear fall from his eye and onto his cheek.

Truth be told, when Jaeden’s life was taken my faith was shaken to the core. I just couldn’t understand how a loving God could allow such an innocent boy to be abused and taken from us. Many times I still don’t understand.

JAEDEN loved flowers an animals. He enjoyed working in the garden with his father and going on the train with grandma. Jaeden loved his mother, Ita and siblings dearly and always brought a smile when he entered a room. I travel around Cleveland and have fond memories of my times with Jaeden.