Herein lies the legacy of Elijah Logan Merritt. Truly it is a legacy that transcends the ordinary and surpasses the mundane. Moreover, it is overflowing with the intangibles of which our very being exists.

He left his parents with a totally and completely new definition of love. For it is just a glimmering reflection of the unconditional love of God.

To his siblings, though only a thought and dream now, he left a set of parents and extended family full of gratitude. A gratitude and appreciation for life that can only be discovered in loss. They are and will be loved more because of his life.

His legacy is one of compassion. The depth of our loss fuels the vast undiscovered resources of our hearts.  For now we can feel deeper, care deeper and share deeper ties that knit us more closely together as a family. We are more willing to reach out, and we hold each other tighter.

Eli left to us a legacy of courage. Courage that says we can face a new day in spite of the grief. We go on with the vision and hope of being people who make him proud.

His legacy also encompasses the hope that causes us to believe in things grander that this temporal life. Hope that know that eternity exists and heaven is waiting. It is the hope of being with Eli again that gives us strength and peace. Eli came for a short brief moment and left us a legacy that we strive to grasp and in which we find lasting comfort. Knowing that our lives are forever changed for the good because we held him but a moment.