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Tuesday September 7,2010

Justin James Pierce: Angel on Earth

by Jim Balthazor

Justin James Pierce

08/27/87 ~ 08/13/00

Lorna and Matthew Pierce, Justin's parents

Joshua Pierce, Justin's big brother

We had made a deal with Justin during his 7th grade year that he could get a puppy if he worked on bringing his grades up to all A's & B's (he was failing one class and getting a D in another). We didn't actually think he would be able to pull it off before school got out, but somehow he did. So he picked out a beautiful 8 week old puppy from the animal rescue.

He named him Dakota. They were best buds. I took the 1st photo in June 2000, telling Justin that we needed to get photos of Dakota when he was tiny because they were both growing so quickly, and we would want to have something to remember them being little. Well I didn't know that Justin would be killed in an accident 6 weeks later and Dakota would be the only one "growing up."

The 2nd photo is a recent one (Oct 2002) of Dakota. He has become one of the greatest joys in my life since Justin's death. I sometimes feel like it was pre-destined that Justin would "give"us his dog to comfort us in the sad years ahead.

What is also strange about all of this is that my husband had a dog named Shaine, that looked almost identical to Dakota. Shaine was killed when he ran out in front of a car when my husband was a teenager. So we often say that Justin has my husband's dog to play with in Heaven, and we have Justin's dog here on earth.

Hi, my name is Jim Balthazor, here at Beyond Indigo I go by the name of Kirksdad. I am a 50 year old grieving father. Kirk was my wonderful and lively 17 year old son that was killed in a car wreck just 3 blocks from our house. He left a wonderful mother, Cindy, and a beautiful sister, Teryn, behind when he died. It has been hard not having his energy in the house for the last couple of years. I expect it will be hard without him forever.

His mother and I both teach middle school and had him as a student for a couple of years while he was there. I am so glad we were able to be so close to him.

He wasn't wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident and of course if he had been he would still be alive today.

I have taken to donating my time to writing the Loss of a Child Newsletter and moderating the Loss of A Child Message Board as a way of keeping his spirit alive in others. I hope that it is helpful in even a small way.

We never want to think that we will be left here on Earth while one of our children goes on before us. It just isn't suppose to work that way. When it does happen it is good to know that others, that have been there, will be available to help. I have found the message boards and the wonderful parents who have found their way there so very kind and loving. They have truely made a difference in my life. They listen without judging. When we find ourselves in this position that can be one of the healing things that gets us through. Beyond Indigo can make a difference when you are grieving, I know.

Please see my son's online memorial here at Beyond Indigo and leave me a message in the guestbook.