Remembering Bryce

Will you take a moment to honor the memory of this precious child and pray for the family who misses his presence?

You can listen to Colleen's own words about dealing with grief and loss. She is an incredibly resolute woman of faith who has walked this Via Crucis with strength and grace (even if she didn't feel that strong or graceful at times). It was a privilege to have been there to capture some of those precious moments on film. It was an honor to share those heart-rending days with her and her family.

All our love and prayers are with you, sweet friends!

Via Dolorosa

I had the privilege of being with Greg and Colleen this weekend as they said goodbye-for-now to their precious baby Bryce. I wanted to document for them this prayerful occasion so that later, when the pain is not so fresh and new, they could look back on those moments and find some comfort in the memories. When I have their permission, I will share them with you, but for now, here is Colleen in her own words...

There are no words that could say all that I need to say to you but I did not want another moment to pass without letting you know how profoundly grateful I am for the tender mercy your love has been to me in these most difficult of days. Many have compared my walk to that of the Blessed Mother at the foot of the cross. I don't know if I am worthy of that comparison but I certainly am grateful that on this Via Dolorosa, you have been there to be my Veronica, and I will commend all your intentions to her and that of my sweet Mother who is holding me so closely right now.

In the case of a baptized infant who passes from this world to the next, our faith assures us that they are resting peacefully in the presence of Our Lord, so please focus your prayers on Bryce's family who will feel his loss keenly in the coming days, weeks, months and years.

Updated to add:
In Colleen's own words: The Feast of All Saints: Tender Mercy for a Grieving Heart

Still, no words...

Dearest Lord, please soothe our Broken Hearts.

Bryce Mitchell Memorial Fund

Elizabeth writes:

Being in an online community, we feel like we have friends right next door. But when tragedy strikes, it becomes painfully obvious that we are not right next door. We cannot pop in with a casserole and a hug. We cannot take the kids and give a grieving mother time and space. All we can do is pray.

In order do something tangible and practical, Katherine and I have set up a memorial fund to defray the costs of a funeral and to lighten their worldly burden in the days to come so that they can set their hearts upon mourning and healing.

Sorrowfully,

Prayers, please...

Our bruised hearts are now broken and in need of care that only the Divine Physician can provide. I can't write more other than to beg for prayers to surround the Mitchell family.

Saint Bryce, pray for them! Saint Philip Neri, pray for them!