Tribute to Lives Stolen

Please read: Video tribute to children whose lives were taken. Some were taken by 'loved' ones, others by people who were 'guardians', and others because of pure hate. Why do people do this? How could people be so heartless? How could people be so cruel?

While the majority of these children in this video were from the United States, some like Tommaso Onofri was Italian and Victoria Climbie, originally from the Ivory Coast, was sent to the UK as a guardian. Tommaso, whose parents were bound and gagged, was kidnapped by the two men and was struck with a shovel because they (allegedly) couldn't bear with his crying, killing him. Victoria Climbie lived through torture and abuse at the hands of her guardians. Sadly, at just eight years old, even after multiple hospitalizations, she died of multiple organ failure, malnutrition, and hypothermia. Numerous scars were seen on the body as a result of the torture and abuse she endured. Her death led to the criticism of local government agencies who failed to act appropriately on her behalf.

Some were also tortured by others outside of their families and others were in foster care. Some were killed due to the hatred of others, such as Emmitt Till, an only child, from Mississippi who was killed in 1955 because he whistled at a white woman. His killers were set free. Yusuf Hawkins was a 15 year old who was killed because he was dating a white girl. Their deaths led to a greater awareness of the ills of society and the lack of adequate prosecution of those that prey on children.

Some were babies. Others were in high school. Then there was Jeffrey Curley, a 10 year old boy from Massachusetts who looks just like any other kid of elementary school age. He was smothered with a gas soaked rag after fighting off the sexual advances of his killers. Some occurred decades ago. Others occurred more recently. One case in particular that affected me personally (as all of them do) was the case of Joella Reaves, whose father and stepfather have been accused of her mother. It occurred on Thanksgiving, in 2003. The child was tied up, beaten, and starved to death. She was left tormented and alone. No one should have to suffer in that way, especially an 11 year old girl.

A tragedy that occurred more recently is the case of little Amy Howson, whose spine was snapped in two, by her own father of all people. Amy was a 16 month old baby girl from the UK who lived her way too brief life abused and tortured. Her 'father' was sent to 22 years in prison. It is inconceivable how someone who do such a hideous thing to people who are so innocent. May all of these youngsters rest in peace, the peace that they were denied in their lives.

God, bless and protect the children. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Thank you to all of the sources of these images and music. You have been incredibly valuable.

Songs:
"Will You Remember Me" by Sarah McLaughlin
"If God Made You" by Five for Fighting
"Titanic theme" (instrumental) by Kenny G

Category:

People & Blogs

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[HawkZBig]

OKAY JOELLA REAVES LIVED ABOUT TWO HOUSES DOWN FROM ME IN CARRIAGE LAKE IN STOCKBRIDGE. I WAS ALSO LOCKED UP WITH HER CHUBBY SCARY PUNK ASS FATHER RODNEY. HE WALKS AROUND THE JAIL WITH A BIBLE IN HIS HANDS HOPING SOMEONE WILL FEEL SORRY FOR HIM.

[locklock2]

Why...i dont understand how?.... can people really be that unbelievebly heartless?

i am not religous, and a big part of that is, if there was an allmighty perfect god, how could there be so many innocents and pure that get raped, murdered, torchered, taken away from their families and unloved humans in this world?....

and the most terrible thing is, it is probebly happening every moment i'm writing this, a young girl forced to prostitution...

has any one got the answer?...

[cam1cam100]

this song always makes me cry

[MH101009]

This is a tribute video for children who we taken out of this world by the hands of family members & whoever posted this video needs to edit the picture of Jon Benet Ramsey...her parents were cleared & unfortunately her mother passed from cancer before she could have her vindication...Please have your facts right before you post something like this

[streakysgirl22]

hope 4 the best

[knowitallofwwe]

rest in peace

jacob your parents cnt harm you now your with god youare free

[Itslikedat2007]

omg i seen that movie on lifetime about dennis jurgens..i have never cried on any movie but that one really made me cry it was so sad..

[Gothish408]

So sad... They All are so young and beautiful.. By the way... who sings... the i wil remember u?^^

[resavey]

Just to let u know that the girl at 4:01 is not Ericka Grant....it is Erica Green. I live in Kansas city, mo where this precious little girl died. Thanks god the mother and father are now wasting away in jail for years.