Virtual Memorials

A Celebration of the Life of

Dominic Christopher Zahlis

August 11, 1997 – January 27, 2008

This world is not conclusion

A sequel stands beyond

Invisible, as music

But real, as sound

WORDS OF WELCOME

We are gathered here this morning to give thanks for the life of Dominic Christopher Zahlis, And to celebrate his resurrection. He was born on August 11, 1997, and died on January 27, 2008. On behalf of the family, especially His parents, Andrea and Chris, And his sisters, Corinne and Audrey, and all the family gathered here from Maryland and California, Thank you for coming here today to surround them With your love and grace.

Deborah Wiles, the author of the book Dominic has been reading, “Each Little Bird that Sings,” wrote in her preface about death: “I came to understand the meaning of friendship and the power of love. I was suffocating in grief, unable to (work,) unable to finish anything. Friends and family slipped their arms around me, grabbed hands, and created a cradle from which I would eventually learn to navigate the world again….” So thank you, for creating that cradle for this family, and please, do not let go any time soon.

OPENING SENTENCES

Leader: As a father has compassion for his children,
Congregation: So God has compassion on us.

Leader: As a mother comforts her child,
Congregation: So the Lord will comfort us.

O God, who gave us birth, you promise you will turn to us when we most need it. We do not understand this mystery of death, and as we face it, we realize, we do not understand this mystery of life. Our days are so short on this earth, and we struggle to live with love. We know the grass withers, and the flowers fade, but your love stands forever. Even in the valley of the shadow of death, you are with us. Turn your ear to our cry, and hear our prayer. Do not be silent at our tears, for we live as strangers, wandering pilgrims in this land. Help us to trust, even when we do not understand, that you will lead us through this hour, this day, this life, until you welcome us home. Amen.

SOLO: “God of the Sparrow” Erin Kobs

1. God of the sparrow God of the whale God of the swirling stars How does the creature say Awe How does the creature say Praise

2. God of the earthquake God of the storm God of the trumpet blast How does the creature cry Woe How does the creature cry Save

3. God of the rainbow God of the cross God of the empty grave How does the creature say Grace How does the creature say Thanks

4. God of the hungry God of the sick God of the prodigal How does the creature say Care How does the creature say Life

5. God of the neighbor God of the foe God of the pruning hook How does the creature say Love How does the creature say Peace

6. God of the ages God of the hand God of the loving heart How do your children say Joy How do your children say Home

READING FROM HEBREW SCRIPTURE: Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

READINGS FROM “Each Little Bird That Sings”

Dominic was instrumental in getting his friends together to join him in Howard County’s Battle of the Books, a competition of reading. The last book he was reading was “Each Little Bird that Sings,” which is set in a funeral home and is the story of a young girl and her cousin coming to terms with death. Hear these words from the story:

Carolyn Carrie, Dominic’s Aunt

From page 47-49: “Top Ten Tips for First-rate Funeral Behavior” by Comfort Snowberger, #10:

Remember that death is a natural thing – it’s all around us, as my great-uncle always said. Don’t try to hide death from kids. If Grandpa has died, don’t say, “We lost Grandpa,” because little kids will want to know why you don’t go look for him. Just say, “Grandpa died.” Don’t say, “Grandpa passed,” either, because we’ll wonder what grade he was in. Just say he died. We get it. Kids are better at death than grown-ups give them credit for.

Harry Zahlis, Dominic’s Uncle

Comfort, the main character, whose family lives and works in a funeral home, has a conversation with her father, the funeral director: “Sometimes I ask (my dad) how somebody died. He tells me, then he says, “It’s not how you die that makes the important impression, Comfort; it’s how you live. Now go live awhile, honey…..”

Ted Robey, father of Dominic’s friend Kyle

Comfort’s 8-year-old cousin, Peach, struggles to understand death: “I get scared of what I don’t know,” he said slowly, “And I didn’t know death. So it scared me.” … “But now I know it. Now I’m not so scared…” “This body is just a shell of who I am,” Peach said in a still, small voice. “Death can’t touch what’s inside.”… (People who die) aren’t here. (They are) somewhere else. And it’s not in the cemetery. But it’s in a good place.”

Amy Hoots, mother of Dominic’s friends Sam and Gus

Comfort, talking with her mother about death: “You said (those we love) always come home,” I said to Mama each night when she tucked me in and kissed me. “They always come home,” she said, “One way or another. It’s not up to us to decide how that homecoming happens.” “What does that mean?” “It means that no one and nothing is ever gone from us, Comfort.” …. Those we love live in our hearts forever! We always have them” she touched my heart – “right here. Always.” “That’s not good enough!” I said. “That’s nothing!” “That…..is everything,” said Mama.

*MUSIC: “All Things Bright and Beautiful”

The title of this book, “Each Little Bird That Sings,” comes from a line in a hymn – All things bright and beautiful – You may know those words from the James Herriot Series, about a country veterinarian in England. It too has beautiful images from nature, so please stand, and we will sing it together.

Refrain: All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful: the Lord God made them all.

1. Each little flower that opens, each little bird that sings, God made their glowing colors, and made their tiny wings. (Refrain)

2. The purple-headed mountains, the river running by, the sunset and the morning that brightens up the sky. (Refrain)

3. The cold wind in the winter, the pleasant summer sun, the ripe fruits in the garden: God made them every one. (Refrain)

4. God gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell how great is God Almighty, who has made all things well. (Refrain)

READING FROM GREEK SCRIPTURE: Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

*MUSIC: “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”

Dominic has taken piano lessons for years from Diane Dombek, and at his last recital, played Ode to Joy, the music Beethoven wrote. Dominic walked around for weeks humming this well known, uplifting tune, and we will now sing it together. Please stand.

1. Joyful, joyful, we adore thee, God of glory, Lord of love; hearts unfold like flowers before thee, opening to the sun above. Melt the clouds of sin and sadness; drive the dark of doubt away. Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!

2. All thy works with joy surround thee, earth and heaven reflect thy rays,stars and angels sing around thee, center of unbroken praise. Field and forest, vale and mountain, flowery meadow, flashing sea, chanting bird and flowing fountain, call us to rejoice in thee.

3. Thou art giving and forgiving, ever blessing, ever blest, well-spring of the joy of living, ocean depth of happy rest! Thou our Father, Christ our brother, all who live in love are thine; teach us how to love each other, lift us to the joy divine.

4. Mortals, join the mighty chorus which the morning stars began; love divine is reigning o'er us, binding all within its span. Ever singing, march we onward, victors in the midst of strife; joyful music leads us sunward, in the triumph song of life.

OUR MEMORIES OF DOMINIC

Two of Dominic’s teachers at Bollman Bridge Elementary School will now share their memories of Dominic, starting with his 4th grade teacher from last year, Lois Savar-Rock. Then we will hear from Diana Sargent, who has had Dominic in Enrichment classes throughout his elementary years, and in the past two years, for G-T Math. Then anyone else interested in sharing memories of Dominic is welcome to speak.

Lois Savar-Rock, Dominic’s fourth grade teacher

When I discovered that Dominic would be in my class last year I was delighted. I had had Corinne, oh so long ago, and Audrey was a part of a loquacious ladies group in my social studies class. I was quick to learn that loquacious was not a word I would associate with Dominic. He was, as most of you know, just one of the sweetest kids around. Always willing to help classmates in need and never having a bad thing to say about anyone. He was meticulous in his work and sometimes needed a gentle push to get those dreaded BCRs (written responses) done.

Dominic and Sam Hoots won me at last year's auction. It was a fine, if a bit hot, afternoon in late May. The boys got to ride in my relatively new red convertible. At some point, I looked in the rear view mirror to see Dominic's arms waving in the air and him rejoicing about being in the car with the top down. We went miniature golfing. It's very unlikely that I will ever win any awards for my skill on the miniature golf course but the boys were very patient. Dominic would give me hints about how to hit the ball, because he had had some experience with golfing before. We spent the afternoon hitting, chasing, and retrieving balls from the water. I believe that some of the water shots may have been on purpose because we were all so hot. I think the boys and even I ended the game in almost a tie. Maybe that's the way I'd like to remember it. Then we had some water ice, relaxed and decided where we would go for dinner. Dinner was pretty uneventful except for when Dominic and I realized that poor Sam was not feeling well, so we ended our evening quickly so that we could get Sam home. As a teacher there's nothing quite like an afternoon with two charming 4th grade boys.

One of the last assignments in 4th grade was to write a letter to the 4th grade students who would be in my class next year., Dominic chose to write a poem and I saved because it was so wonderful. This is what he wrote:

Dear new 4^th graders,

Welcome to the 4^th grade

There’s lots of things to do

Some things may be familiar

But some will be brand new

There’s binders and biographies

And books of every kind

There’s Savmans and St. Marys

For you to keep on mind

Band concerts and cursive

And chorus assemblies

S.F.S.S.

And a section on poetry

Now don’t you fret

And don’t you fear

There might be fun

In your 4^th grade year

Your 5^th grade friend, Dominic Zahlis

Thank you, Dominic, for your sweet and gentle ways, your smile, your intensity. I feel thankful that I got to know you. The world is a better place for vour having been here.

Diana Sargeant, Dominic’s Enrichment and G-T teacher

I have had the privilege of teaching Dominic these last two years. I first met Dominic a few years ago when he was about 5 years old. His mom had come in to gather some of Audrey’s belongings and there was Dominic, running around my classroom chasing after his friend Kevin. At such a young age, I was absolutely floored by his extensive vocabulary. I knew right there and then what a truly gifted person Dominic was.

Dominic was the type of kid that you hope your child grows up to be like. I thought very highly of him. I used to sing a little song about his name as we walked down the hallway. He was a remarkable person. He always went out of his way to show kindness towards others. If someone wasn’t being included, Dominic was the one who always made a point to include that person. I saw this happen on many occasions and always felt incredibly proud of him.

I feel extremely fortunate to have gotten to know Dominic. I’ll always remember taking him and Ben to see the movie, Surf’s Up last year. We had a great time. I’ll never forget just how talented and bright Dominic was. He kept his classmates and me in awe with his incredible analytical thinking skills and his extraordinary creativity. After the last math olympiad problem solving activity, he raised his hand and explained how he figured out how to solve one of the problems in a way that no one else in the class had thought of, including myself. I couldn’t wait to see what he was going to say or do next.

It is an honor to have this opportunity to speak about such a wonderful person. I sat down with some of Dominic’s classmates on Monday and we talked about all the wonderful memories we have of Dominic. We will certainly miss him very much. I’m glad I could share some of my memories with you today.

Janet Schoenfeld, family friend and swim team manager

When I went outside Sunday afternoon, I noticed what a bright, clear, sunny day it was…the kind of day where you can’t help but to close your eyes for a minute, and reflect. I thought, this type of day describes Dominic…so bright in all senses of the word, a sunny personality, someone who thinks and reflects.

This was his approach in both school and personal activities. When Andrea and I would talk about school, she would tell me that when Dominic had to write something, he carefully thought out what he wanted to say, pen would not go to paper until he thought, analyzed, and perfected his message. And for the reader, it was worth the wait. This careful, thoughtful approach to life also carried over to his social interests. Dominic recently became interested in football, and instead of taking the obvious route, and rooting for a local team, he investigated, analyzed, eventually choosing the Dallas Cowboys as his team.

As part of the Huntington Dolphins swim team, Dominic has always been a devoted team member, attending our functions, always giving his best, with a drawer full of ribbons. Two seasons ago, Dominic submitted the winning slogan for the summer, “See you at the PHINish line”, and I am sure that he put the same care and reflection into selecting his words. Over 250 swimmers, coaches, parents, and siblings wore T-shirts with Dominic’s slogan on their backs that season. Little did we know how powerful Dominic’s words would become. Yes, Dominic, we will all see you at the finish line, we will see your bright smiling face, and it will feel like a clear, warm, sunny day.

Chris Zahlis, Dominic’s father

Good morning everyone. I thought I would script out some words to share with you today so that if I couldn’t get through them, I could hand the text over to Amy to read on my behalf. Well, that didn’t work out so well. I tried to write but just couldn’t get anything down on paper. So I’m going to have to wing it a bit.

With Dominic’s death, I lost my boy and Andrea lost her baby. Today there are just a few key thoughts I want to share with everyone.

The first is thanks. The outpouring of this community in support of our family has been amazing. We moved here from California almost ten years ago and it was meant to be a temporary move. We left a large family in California and many other great things there. When we arrived here in Maryland, we soon decided that this is the place we needed and wanted to stay. I am very happy that my family is here from California and that they can witness just how strong this community is. It is times like these, as sad as they are, that make us realize how lucky we are to have friends like we have. The support we received has been staggering. In particular I want to call some very special people. The Humpert family, the Mitchells, the Keeneys and the Paltings. Many, many people helped us, and these four families are very good friends of ours that stayed close to us, side by side, the entire time when we needed them.

I’d also like to, again, thank the staff at Johns Hopkins Pediatric ICU; Dr. Kristin Nelson, Courtney Brennan, and everyone else. I believe they must see a lot of terrible things, and that they must be special people to choose their line of work. I suspect that they may have known that it was a lost cause to save Dominic. The cancer attacked his body so aggressively and completely. It seems to me that there must have been a time that, given all the other horrible things that they must care to they needed to move on to attend to some other patient. I think the realization is that our family was the real patient. The staff embraced us and helped us focus on how we were feeling when nothing could be done for Dominic. For this we are eternally grateful.

The second thing I want to try and get across is a bit more on who Dominic was and how he fit within our family. I’ve tried and tried and tried to describe Dominic to help people understand the kind of boy he was. I think we just heard some great examples from the speakers before me, and we will see more in a moment in a slide show pulled together by Patrick Carrie. Dominic was just a special boy. I know we all talk about our kids as being special people, but Dom really was unique. This kid had a future, and I am so sad that we don’t get to see what he was going to grow up and accomplish. It’s a real tragedy what our world will miss. He was that kind of kid.

While thinking about speaking and trying to prepare, I thought about sharing some of my special memories with Dominic. There were so many to choose from. The memory that kept coming to mind was our time together in our kayak. My family gave me a kayak one year as an anniversary present. When Dom and I took the boat out to Rocky Gorge Reservoir near our home, we’d just paddle out and tool around the lake, then head for our special rock. We’d land the boat, hike around, and just enjoy the day watching the fish swim beneath the surface and tossing stones into the water. The most recent trip Dominic thanked me several times and told me that the day was the best day of his life.

I picked this memory because, thinking about these days, I realized that Dominic made me a better man. He made me feel like a good dad. He was so aware of the little things that make life interesting, thankful for each of his moments, and kind to make others see the good things. The people that knew him, knew this to be the case. Some of you are learning him through the words you are hearing today and in your individual conversations, and I just want everyone to understand how special a kid Dominic was.

Interesting things happen over the course of a few days like this, and I feel like perhaps I have begun to turn a corner with my grief. I’ve started thinking what I am thankful for. I know it’s impossible to fill the hole left by Dominic’s death. But when I think about my family – Andrea, Corinne, and Audrey – I see that our house is still full of love. It will still be full of music and laughter, and I am so thankful that I am part of such a terrific family. I am certain we will get through this tragedy together.

My final thought is on Dominic’s legacy. I always knew that Dominic was going to have an impact on his community and in our world. This certainly is not how I pictured it. However, I find some comfort in knowing that everyone is looking at their kids a little bit differently now. Brothers and sisters are seeing each other in a new light. People everywhere sharing and loving and feeling so happy to know who they have in their lives. This is the kind of thing Dominic would set out to do for us. So I ask each of you to keep him in mind – today, and in the future. Remember what a great kid he was and imagine what a great man he was destined to become. Remember how fortunate you feel to have the people immediately around you. Please thank Dominic for this perspective and keep him in your thoughts. Thank you.

Don’t underestimate the power of Dominic – That’s what keeps running through my head this week – the power of Dominic to bring people who don’t even know each other together. A woman I barely know, an elementary school guidance counselor at a different school, and I realized we were connected through Dominic: A little girl had been coming in every day this week to her office because she used to play with Dominic – Her grandparents live in his neighborhood! And now there’s a little play-doh boy named Dominic sitting on Kim’s desk at Cradlerock Elementary. There’s a man here from the church who set up the slide show – He doesn’t know Dominic, but the husband of someone at his work is here, because he works with Chris, Dominic’s dad.

That’s the power of Dominic to bring people together. And I know, some of you are Catholic; some Unitarian and some born again Christian; some of you are main-line Protestant, some Jewish. Scripture for some of you might be the Koran; or perhaps music, or poetry. Some of you might not practice any formal religion, but you find the presence of the divine mystery like Dominic – In nature. In fact, whether we practice a faith or not, follow a formal creed or not, this is one thing we do have in common that Dominic shared with us. That the divine mystery is found in the nature surrounding us and the power of love. For if we had to describe Dominic in just one word, it would be love which, I confess, is not what comes to mind when I think of the average 10 year old boy. But Dominic, as we have heard today, and as we know, was far, far from the average 10 year boy. Although that glint of mischievousness was never far from him, especially where formal religion was concerned. We heard Andrea tell of Dominic, on the Sunday of his first communion, had to have his hands scrubbed right before he received the host, because he had drawn smiley faces on his palms and fingertips for the priest to see as he handed Dominic the host. That, right there, is such a perfect image of the sacredness of Dominic’s sense of humor.

And so it doesn’t make sense. We can’t wrap our minds around it. We cannot even begin to fathom the incredible wretchedness for Corinne and Audrey, or the mind-numbing pain of Andrea and Chris. And it doesn’t make sense, that we are here today, that a little boy with so many incredible gifts for the world would be gone. And even though, like Chris and Andrea are holding tightly to how grateful they are to have had him in their lives for these 10 years, it is not enough. Not nearly enough.

And so, hold on to what sustains you and comforts you – whether it be a faith of a formal religion, or the words about the power of nature on the front of this bulletin.

This is what sustains me, from my faith tradition: There is this story of Jesus, and his 12 followers, who more often than not were bumbling around not getting what Jesus was trying to teach them – I’m sure many of the school teachers here today know what that is like! And Jesus and his followers had stopped at a town, and word spread, and parents started bringing their kids out to see Jesus, hoping maybe even to get close enough that Jesus would touch their children. But the disciples, Jesus’ followers, were all about trying to protect him from this crowd of dirty, dusty, little children. Jesus is important! They were probably thinking – He doesn’t want to be bothered by all these runny noses and squirrely kids! We’re doing him a favor! And Jesus spotted those kids and their parents, and saw the disciples’ running interference, and said to them, “What are you doing? Don’t you understand – I’m here for these little children more than anyone else. Let them come hang out with me!”

This story reminds me of a powerful memory of Dominic playing soccer with my son, Ben – Anyone who has seen Dominic play soccer should now be smiling, because Dominic cared more about hanging out with his friends on the field than actually playing soccer. This one game, another boy ran into Dominic, who then, in his own way, went flailing to the ground, quite dramatically. And Chris, you ran out, and scooped him up, and cradled him off the field, and put him on Andrea’s lap to recover. From then on, any time another player brushed by Dominic, down he went, and before anyone realized what was going on, you could spot the tiniest little mischievous smile on Dominic’s face as he was carted off the field. He was on to a whole new way to enjoy the soccer game!

And so I think about how we’re all on that soccer field, doing our best in this game of life – few of us with the incredible intelligence and heart and compassion that Dominic had, but we’re trying. And then Dominic got hurt, really, really hurt, and the powerful Source of Love rushed over to scoop him up, and carry him off the field, into the arms of the God my scripture tells me is like a mother hen, cradling her chicks – And that God, cradling Dominic close, is weeping, and broken-hearted, that Dominic’s body gave out.

But my hope is this. Andrea and Chris, when I first walked into the ICU, you were explaining to Audrey and Corinne that Dominic wasn’t in that body lying in the hospital bed. That he was in your hearts, and you could feel him especially at home, surrounded by all the memories and all the things he had touched. And Chris, you talked of how you were just beginning to do all those things with Dominic that your dad had done with you, and there were so many things you were looking forward to teaching and experiencing with Dominic. And I know it isn’t fair, and it isn’t right, and it isn’t much comfort, but my son explained to me that he thought heaven for Dominic would have lots of books to read, and strategy games to play, and music to make. I believe, Chris, that your dad will make sure Dominic gets to do all those things you started, all those things your dad taught you.

And I believe that, just as Dominic wrote a poem welcoming the fourth graders, that Dominic will be welcoming all the children who left their parents much too young, and he will comfort them, and make jokes until they laugh.

And Andrea, as a mother, and as someone trained to find meaning and words of comfort, I confess, there is so little I can say, except for this image that came to me when my son was born. I realized, like all mothers do, how easily he could be taken from me. I believe, there is a golden cord, that we cannot see, but that connects us – from our heart to the hearts of our children, and nothing can break that golden cord. That your heart literally helped Dominic’s heart grow, from the moment he was. And that cord connects you to him forever – and that one day, you will again wrap your arms around him literally, and that for some reason, your broken heart still beats on this earth. Even on the days you miss him so much you don’t think you can stand it, hold tightly to that cord.

And I believe that same God who is holding Dominic close, and surrounding us that we might get through this hour and the next, is hoping that the impact of Dominic’s life these 10 years will live in us. As we read the books Dominic never got to read, and as we make sure books end up in the hands of kids whose parents can’t buy them for them. And as we remember to open the doors, and to be kind, and to think of others, and as we are grateful, as Dominic was so amazingly grateful for the smallest things. And finally, as we find a way even through this grief, to use our minds and our hearts in that powerful combination Dominic showed us, that we can change the world, as Dominic has changed us, until we too are called home. Amen.

IMAGES FROM DOMINIC’S LIFE

Dominic loved Beatles’ music, and his life was full of joy, laughter, and wisdom – Okay, there were some battles over homework and writing the BCRs required of all kids facing the Maryland State Assessments - that wasn’t too fun – But here are pictures of Dominic’s life.

Slide show by Patrick Carrie, Dominic’s uncle

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE & LORD’S PRAYER (debts)

Good and gracious God, your love holds us in life and in death. We give you thanks for creating Dominic as such a wise, loving, mischievous, compassion person, so that all who have been touched by his life have been changed. In this sorrow that is deeper than a black hole, we ask a little light may shine. There was so much in Dominic that was good and kind, gentle and caring – help us to continue to shine that light in this world, even as we reluctantly entrust Dominic to your care, until you bring us all at last into the company of all your saints, through your love that is more powerful than death. And hear us as join our voices together praying the Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; they will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil, For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever. Amen.

*MUSIC: “Here Comes the Sun”

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun,
And I say it's all right

Little darlin' it's been a long cold lonely winter

Little darlin' it feels like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, And I say it's all right

Little darlin' the smiles returning to their faces

Little darlin' it seems like years since it's been here

Here comes the sun, here comes the sun, And I say it's all right

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes - Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Sun, sun, sun, here it comes

Little darlin' I feel the ice is slowly meltin'

Little darlin' it seems like years since it's been clear

Here come the sun, here comes the sun, It's all right, it's all right

Into your hands, O God of Love, we entrust the light and soul and spirit of Dominic. By your creative power, you give us life. By your promises, we give thanks that for Dominic, the struggles of this life are over, death is past, pain ended, and that he has now entered the joy you prepare for us. Yet give us the courage now to continue to live, with the promise that one day we will be reunited with this sweet child, Dominic, where there is neither pain nor sorrow nor suffering nor sighing, but life everlasting, by your powerful love.

May the peace of God, which goes beyond all our ability to understand, help you to remember the power of love, to heal the past, give strength for the present, and hope for the future, as we must continue to walk this earthly way, until the day when we are called home. Amen.

INTERMENT (Union Cemetery, Burtonsville, MD)

Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.

O Creator of all life, we stand speechless at the turnings of life and death. We cannot let go easily of what remains of Dominic on this earth – for it is our physical connection with him. Yet you promise you will not let one bit of your creation go. And so we give back to you what came from your good creation. Though this is not Dominic, but all that remains visible to us, we commit your child back to the earth. This child, dear to us, and to Andrea, Chris, Audrey and Corinne: be gentle with him, and with them. Sustain them through the love of friends and family, for all we have is love. Amen.

There will be times for Andrea and Chris, Corinne and Audrey, when they are trapped in the darkness of grief and loss. The rest of us must have the courage to wade through the darkness, so that we can light just one candle and guide them gently out, inch by inch, one step at a time. For Albus Dumbledore, wise wizard, said, “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.”

So have courage. Hold fast to what is good. Hold fast to one another and to the love Dominic showed. For then we can know his spirit again, as we walk through the valleys and mountains of this life. Amen.

A reception will be held in The Great Room at Savage Mill beginning at 2:00pm.

Our world lost a little bit of hope when Dominic died on Sunday. Only 10 years old, Dominic was a gifted boy with the powerful and unique combination of a huge heart and great mind. He was a caring and thoughtful friend who enjoyed life fully, and had the capacity to change a room with his quiet unexpected jokes and good humor. His amazing imagination and sincerity brought joy to all that knew him. Few have the sense of self that Dominic showed. He knew who he was and what he was about, and didn’t let anyone else define him or categorize him. He was a boy with big plans, and our world mourns the loss of someone with the remarkable ability and selfless nature to make a difference.

The tragedy of Dom’s death occurred without warning and happened fast, giving none of us time to say goodbye or express to him the depth of our love. Over the course of just a few hours, Dominic was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and experienced complications that swiftly took his life from us.

His family – Andrea and Chris, and their daughters Corinne and Audrey, delighted in Dominic’s quirky sense of self and incredibly gentle and loving nature. He leaves behind a tremendous network of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in California and Maryland. His life touched and changed the remarkable community of friends in our Huntington neighborhood. Through Dominic, we learn that terrible things may happen, but no one suffers alone with such great friends.

We are eternally grateful for the incredible outpouring of support we received from our friends and family. We send special thanks to Kristen, Courtney, and the rest of the Johns Hopkins staff. Although nothing could be done to heal Dominic’s broken body, these caring people helped us cope with his passing and begin our healing.

Dominic had too much to offer this world to be lost so soon. As we hold Dominic, and especially his family, in our hearts and minds, the life of this amazing young man can continue, not just in our memories, but in how we live his legacy – in our reading, our compassion, our imagination, and our friendships. In so doing we enable this amazing young man to realize some of his enormous potential.