This hasn't been a good year so far.

[Charger_Fan]

I'm not sure where to start with this, or even what to say...other than the last 11 days have been hell. Even though I don't know most of you personally, I feel as though I do know some of you a little through the threads we've shared in the years past.
I logged on yesterday for the first time since this happened, but couldn't do it...I couldn't be cheery & had to go, I'm trying again today. I'm not necessarily fishing for sympathy by posting this, I just want to talk a little...hope you don't mind.

I became Grandpa to a little boy on 1/19/07...he passed away on 3/11/08. It was not from natural causes.

His mother & father are young and unmarried. After a year or so, she decided to move in with a couple friends, for reasons that I'm not going into here. One of the friends was a guy who worked at the same place she did...we didn't know much about this guy at the time.
At 6:45 am on the 11th, my son received a frantic phone call...she said Austin wasn't breathing! He yelled at her to call 911 & ran out the door, with the cell phone on his ear.

This is what happened next... 
http://www.sltrib.com//ci_8561013
http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/259691

I have felt emotions in the past 10 days I never knew existed within me...by the same token, I have witnessed emotions in others I never knew existed within them. The past few days for me have been surreal, humbling, angering, devastating & ultimately filled with sadness.
The amount of help & support from friends & family during this time has been truely amazing & humbling. At least 60 people were there the day we laid Austin to rest, many of whom I had only met a few days before.

I awoke in tears from a dream the other night, where I could actually hear his voice playing in my head...just as clear as I can hear my own right now.
The amount of love & joy this little guy brought into our lives during his short stay is truely wonderful. I'm sad that I had taken a lot of it for granted while he was here, but now I truely cherish the time I was able to spend with him. It's hard to believe he's really gone.
We love you, little Austin.

(he's about 8 months old here)



(bad pic I took last November, while sitting at the computer.)

[70charginglizard]

I wish I could express the unbelievable sadness I feel for you and your family. What a terrible thing for anyone to have to go thru.
The grief you must all be experiencing....

All I can say is  I hope you all can get thru this ok.

my sincerest sympathy to you and yours.

[69bronzeT5]

Wow Grant, thats really sad.

I feel for ya. When I was younger, my mom had a baby boy a few years after I was born but he passed away soon after he was born due to some kind of problem. I dont know what was wrong with him because I was young when it happened.

I hope things get better for you man.


-Cody

[Blown70]

WOW,  sorry I can believe there would be a LOT of different emotions going on.

I could not imagine what you are going through.

Tom

[Brock Samson]

I'll say a prayer for all concerned, right now i am pretty much speechless...

[694spdRT]

I truly do not know what to say. To have a little one that is so innocent taken away in such a senseless act is beyond comprehension.

Grant, my thoughts and sympathy are with you and your family in this very difficult time.

Ty

[Arthu®]

Hang in there, my sympathy is with all whom are involved, other than that I'm at a loss of words...

Arthur

[6pkrunner]

I cannot possibly feel what you are going through.  Hang tight. Time does ease the pain.

[TruckDriver]

Geez Grant, I'm so sorry. I got tears in my eyes from reading this. I been with you for over 5 years posting on these boards, and I consider you as a friend. Your posts have always made me laugh as you are a lot like me in a lot of ways. And as a father of two younger boys, I truely feel for you. Being that I know from experiance, that my ex-wife is someone who could snap at any time, I worry about this happening to my 8yo., because he lives with her even though he doesn't want to. Like all of us, I'm here for you buddy. My thoughts are with you and your family

I'm not religious, but for you, I will post this thread on my forum too as right now, the more moral support and prayers, the better. You know where to find me if you need me to talk.

[Khyron]

As a father I also am at a loss of words. I'm extremely sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to you.

[Skued]

Grant, I am so terribly sorry for your lose.  I knows this is a very difficult time for you.  Please know that you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. Steve

[dukeboy_318]

im so sorry to hear that man, my best wishes go out to you and your family in this hard time

[Drache]

there is nothing I can type here to truly express the emotions and sorrow I feel. I count everyone on these forums as a friend no matter how some have treated me and to hear this on these forums... it feels close, as if a long term friend was telling me about their own grandson. Sorry if this doesn't make much sense, I don't know how to properly put it into words and thus type out.

[Lowprofile]

Grant, My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. I can only imagine the pain, loss and anguish you and your love ones are feeling at this time. I hope with time, and the love of family and friends, you can find some peace my friend.

You are all in my families prayers....

Chuck

[RD]

grant, i am in absolute tears... I have a son who turned just 1 y/o yesterday.  I am so so sorry you have to go through this.... man if you need to talk or anything, i mean that anything... just call me 620-757-1284.

your friend,
Jamey

[Charger_Fan]

Thanks to all of you for your friendship & support, you guys are so great! As I've said in some of my PM replies, I just couldn't log on today & act like nothing's happened, I had to tell you guys. Letting the story out & reading your heartfelt responses may help a little, I truely appreciate all of you.

You're right Pete, more moral support & prayers certainly can't hurt. My family & I definitely have had a massive abundance of both directed our way during this time, something we're not used to receiving...we're usually we're on the other end of the deal, ya know? It's a bit overwhelming to have it directed our way, but gratefully accepted nontheless.

Thank you all so much!

[mikesbbody]

what can one say? we all feel for you so much losing a beautiful child like that none of us can truely know what you are going through.
I do believe you are doing the right thing by talking to us all i can say is our thoughts are prayers are with you. take care

[TK73]

I'm at a loss for words...

[71ChallengeHer]

My prayers are with you and your family.   

[41husk]

My familys prayers are with your family as well.  What a sinceless loss!!

[uud looz]

Everyone searches for the words that will ease your pain,but I'm afraid there are none to be found. It is also said that time heals all wounds, but this too I'm afraid is not completely accurate, sure in time you will find yourself thinking about it less and less, but the sorrow never quite leaves it just seems to relocate to the back of your mind. In time you will find yourself focusing more on the joy and laughter that little one brought to your life and you will be able to smile again. Though the time that you were granted was all too short, find solice in the fact that there are those who aren't even that blessed. I am truly sorry for your loss my prayers are with you and your family.  I often find comfort in this old Irish poem

The little star that cheered our home
Has set in death's dark gloom
The sweet wee flower that graced our path
Lies mouldering in the tomb
The angels saw the opening flower
And swift with joy and love
They bore him to a fairer home
To bloom in fields above

[hemihead]

My prayers go out to you and your family .

[rav440]

im sorry for your loss .

[RECHRGD]

I am so sorry for you and your's.  What a tragedy of innocence lost.  I cannot imagine how I would deal with the loss of one of my grandkids, especially under these circumstances.  I read almost the same story in todays Spokane paper.  Another loser boyfriend shook an infant to death because he was crying while Mom was at work.  Our society is just going down the toilet.  Prayers coming your way.    Bob

[TUFCAT]

As I read this.... I didn't know what to say.  Saying nothing (and ignoring my feelings)  would be far worse than sharing the significant impact this had on me.  I can only imagine how you feel.

First of all, let me say that it takes tremendous courage to post a story like this in a public forum when a loved one is involved....and for this, we should honor CHARGER FAN for posting.  Take a moment for a very special prayer,  and thank God for the gift of children in our lives.   

Secondly,  without saying to much on the subject of religion, let's just say there's a special awful place in Hell for those who abuse children and animals.  Whatever the legal system will offer this despicable human, it will be a far better punishment than what he will receive on judgement day - and leave it at that.

Lastly, and without be very emotional, I hope the memories and wonderful goodness this child has brought into so many people's lives is enough to sustain the anger and loss you will feel for many years.  No apologies can ever change this awful event. However, knowing that many of your friends at DodgeCharger.com are also sharing your sorrows.... should help you in the heeling process.

God Bless Baby Austin,

TUFCAT 

[resq302]

Wow.  I honestly don't know what to say other than I am truely sorry to hear this happened.  I am a father myself and my daughter was born exactly a month before Austin.  So I can kind of imagine all too well what you and your family might be going through.  Just thinking about something like this happening to my daughter scares the crap out of me.  My daughter means more to me than anything in the world, I can not express what I might do if something were to happen to her.

The nice thing about DC.com is that we are like one giant extension of a family.  Feel free to PM me if you need to talk to someone.

Brian

[69_500]

Sincerest sympathy goes out to your and your family. That is defiantely something that I didn't want to hear about happening. A childs life is so precious, pure, and innocent. Makes my stomach turn just to think that there are people who can do something like that. Seems that everyday you turn on the TV, or open a newspaper there is a story similar to this, and it just tears me up inside. What has happened to our society that this happens? What are people thinking?
That is not something that I would wish for my worst enemy in the world to have to go through. I can't imagine having a child of mine taken away in that manner.
I'll be keeping your entire family in my prayers. Even though I can't say that I've ever personally met you, I do always read your post. Very insightful person, and hey who can't like someone who also loves the same types of cars.

[dodgecharger-fan]

I'm dumbstruck.

As a grandfather of three, I can not begin to imagine how I would deal with something like this if it were to ever happen to one my little ones.

My thoughts are with you. If it's any consolation at all, know that your story has prompted me to be sure that I don't take for granted the time that I have with mine.

[Guns N Rotors]

May the Lord give you and your family strength and comfort in the days ahead.

GnR

[greenpigs]

Very sorry for your family's loss.

[Charger1973]

Man, I really dont know what to say...  Its not very often im at a loss for words but I am right now.   

[Chris G.]

Grant, not much I can say. I am truly sorry for your loss.I have always considered you a good friend, so this is very personal to me. Stay strong buddy. Your family needs you, and so do we.

[Todd Wilson]

I dont know what to say. Very very tough time for you and your family.


Todd

[68isgr8]

I don't post very often and not familiar with a lot of people here--but I want to share my condolence's. I have two little guys of my own and this is so heartbreaking to read. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time. 

[Rolling_Thunder]

I'm sorry for your loss. I can't possibly fathom what you must be feeling right at this moment....   

[MoParMetal]

  i believe this is THE worst thing that happens! no child should be taken from this earth! i can't even begin to imagine how you feel. this hits me kinda hard, because my wife and i are thinking of having a  .
i wish you and your family well. i don't know what else to say.

[firefighter3931]

Grant, i just read through this and feel a profound sense of loss.....for both you and your family  I sure hope that you will be able to grieve this horrific loss and find some  peace. Sincerest condolences my friend.


Ron

[Nacho-RT74]

F**K that "guy" in jail!!!!

sorry for what did happen. Is not fair a baby pais what adults makes allong the life. I hope everything comes better from now. And think on there is still chances to be happier

[Plumcrazy]

I really can't think of anything to say that already hasn't been said.
If there's anything I can do to help, all you have to do is ask.

Paul

[LeeBoy]

OMG! Your family will be in my prayers.

[sick dawg]

May God be with you and your family always.

[Charger_Fan]

Thank you all for your warm wishes, prayers & heartfelt replies. You're truely a great bunch of friends! I guess it helps a little to tell you guys & talk about it.
Today has been tough for my Wife & Son, they had already gotten all Austin's Easter stuff a few weeks ago. We decided to go to the cemetery to see him & play with his toys for a while, it was a good time, in spite of the reason we were there. Every occasion like this will be rough on them for a while. I hope time will heal the heartache quickly.

I guess I could have picked a better day to post this thread, so I didn't put a cloud on your Easter, sorry about that.

Thanks so much from me, my family & from Austin.

(here's a shot in one of his favorite toys, he was destined to be a car guy!)

[resq302]

Don't worry about putting a cloud on a holiday.  What you and your family are going through is worse than any bad day we might have.  Like I said before, I consider the members of DC.com an extension of my family and our family always helps other members of our family.  Time heals all things, however, whenever a child is involved, be it whatever age, it always seems to take longer.  We are all here for you and your family.  Sometimes talking helps to heal the pain faster.  Just remember and cherish the memories you have of him and with him.

[Charger-Bodie]

Holy Crap! I just saw this thread and read through the news link 

What a terrible, tragic, senseless loss. 

All I can really say is that my prayers go out to you, you're Son, and the rest of Austins family and friends 

Take Care, Brian

[472 R/T SE]

The scum that did this will get his, once those bars close behind him.  He's nothing but a waste of sperm IMO.  We had 4 miscarriages in 8 years and it always baffled us as to why God graced certain folks (not your son) with the gift of life.

Grant, you're a top notch guy.  Never a bad word out of your mouth.  It's times' like these that make a person wonder why He is putting you through this.
   
I started a response yesterday but changed my mind cause of my disdain for folks that do this sort of thing got the better of my words.  There are none that I could say to make a difference.  Just know I'm thinkin' of you and your family, I hope and pray for strength in these trying times.

Please don't hesitate to PM...

[PocketThunder]

ARE YOU FU*KING KIDDING ME!!   

EDIT: Probably shouldn't have typed that..

Paul
in St. Paul

[hemigeno]

Grant,

I hadn't seen this thread until a few minutes ago and felt compelled to let you know how sorry I am to read about your family's loss.  It goes against our normal way of thinking to ever consider having to bury a child or grandchild, and I can't comprehend the sorrow you and your family are going through right now.  There is no justice in this world that can heal the emotional wounds, bring back this child, or undo whatever senseless violence that caused Austin's death.  I also can't imagine what a calloused heart it would take to treat anyone's child in that fashion.  God cares for Austin, and knows exactly what happened to him.

Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.

Rather than looking at this as a bad time to post this on DC.com, the Resurrection theme of Easter is a perfect backdrop to draw comfort from in such a time as this - through the hope of seeing that little guy again someday.  Faith is a remarkable release, and I do pray that your whole family can find peace in the midst of this storm.

You have my sympathy, thoughts and prayers.

Gene

[TUFCAT]

Rather than looking at this as a bad time to post this on DC.com, the Resurrection theme of Easter is a perfect backdrop to draw comfort from in such a time as this - through the hope of seeing that little guy again someday.  Faith is a remarkable release, and I do pray that your whole family can find peace in the midst of this storm.

You have my sympathy, thoughts and prayers.


Gene

Just like Gene has just so eloquently stated.....please don't worry that your story could put a strain on anybody's Easter!  Easter is a religious holiday about the holy sacrifice.  With respect to whatever religion anybody worships,  Easter (like many other religious holidays) is a time to reflect about our lives and remember the special people in heaven who sacrificed for us.

If anything, you have helped lifted my religious beliefs even higher because you've been incredibly strong through this terrible loss, and our DC.com members have shown so much love and compasion towards you and your family.

TUFCAT 

[69charger2002]

grant that is simply unreal. you hear about these kind of senseless stories on the news sometimes. but for it to happen to one of our "brothers" is even worse . prayers to you and your family. if there's anything you need at ALL gimme a shout. i hope time helps things along little by little, and that the guy goes to prison for a very long time..
trav

[NHCharger]

Grant, I'm at a loss for words. My deepest sympathy's to you and your family.

[TeeWJay426]

Grant- my sympathies and prayers to you and your family. What a tragic story; you have shown a lot of courage to even share it here with us. RIP with the Lord, little Austin.

[Shakey]

My Boss just asked me why I had tears in my eyes.   

Be strong for your family.   

[The70RT]

Sorry to hear that grant  . Im sure the bastard will get what is coming to him. Hang in there....you and the fam is in my prayers.

[Orange_Crush]

Grant.

I am so, so sorry for your loss.  There is nothing else that I can say but that.  I home that you and your family can find peace during this trying time.

[chargerboy69]

Grant,

Like most on here I am at a loss for words. I can not tell you how sorry I am for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Tim

[Kevin69RTvert]

I'm very sorry for your loss. I hope it helps to know, that everyone who has read this thread is thinking of you in this difficult time.

-Kevin

[MoParMetal]

How are you holding up Grant? 

[69_500]

Good looking photo of the little fellow there in the car. My son loved that same exact car when he was around 1-3 years old. He always said it was his Charger. Like I said in the other post, keeping your family in my prayers. Hope the rest of the family is doing well too. Easter wasn't a bad time to post either, no time is a bad time to post something like this. Its always best to know that others care, and that people are keeping you in their prayers when in a time of need. And no holiday changes how people feel.

[bull]

Boy, what a complete waste. I almost posted something about the perp but decided to wait a couple days. Now all I can say about him is I hope they find a tall tree and a short rope to fit his neck. There's no reason to succumb to anger or frustration like that. Anyone who's had kids or been around them knows they can be frustrating but what kind of tool carries it that far? Go get some help from a relative or take the kid to the hospital if you're that retarded, jeez. Unfortunately this is all too common.

Sorry for your loss, Grant. I can't imagine how I'd feel if I lost a child, especially this way.

[1969chargerrtse]

Beautiful picture in the car.  I'm lost for words.  It's times like this that brings you home to what life is really about.  I'm very sorry.

[Charger_Fan]

How are you holding up Grant? 

I'm doing ok, for the most part. Here at work, it's often hard to keep my mind on work, but I'm doing better.

Danny, as of now, it's been 14 days & things have calmed down a bit. My Wife & Son are able to get 4 or 5 hours of sleep at night (the first three days, they got almost zero sleep) & have been able to do things to keep their minds from dwelling on this so much. My daughter hasn't wanted to sleep at her place up until now, preferring to sleep at our house, but she's decided to give it a try tonight. We're all doing much better than we were at first, thankfully, I hope it lasts.

When we go to court in a couple weeks, for the first day of trial, that's when everything will come right back to the surface again...and then some, I'm sure. I'm hoping for swift & just punishment for the lowlife dirtbag (best words I can muster), so we can put the darkest part of this whole ordeal behind us. Curtis, a tall tree & short rope would suit me just fine!

Thanks so much to all of you, for your warm-hearted support. 

[supserdave]

Grant, as was said, I don't know what to say. You have my sympathy and take care.

[The70RT]

So was this the guy that got in the accident while on the freeway and busted up his leg?

[PocketThunder]

So was this the guy that got in the accident while on the freeway and busted up his leg?

No, i think that was the baby daddy.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,39839.0.html

This douche-bag was a co-worker/roommate.

[The70RT]

So was this the guy that got in the accident while on the freeway and busted up his leg?

No, i think that was the baby daddy.

http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,39839.0.html

This douche-bag was a co-worker/roommate.

Oh ok I guess I read the news link to fast and didn't comprehend 

[hemigeno]

Grant's son was Austin's father, and the freeway accident deal happened to Grant's daughter's boyfriend.  Tough times for the whole family this year. 

Still thinkin' about ya bro...

[Charger_Fan]

That's right, Gene. 
Our accident victim is getting around much better now, BTW. 

[Steve P.]

Hey brother, I was quite busy getting ready for Vegas and not on the site much when this happened. Ron told me about your loss and I just read through the thread.  I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am for you and your family. While I was reading I was thinking of my grandsons. My heart goes out to you all. There is nothing harder in this world than to lose a child. I feel your emptiness brother.

It was a tough decision to write at such a late date, but I want you to know how that I, we are all here for you and your family.  Again brother I am very, very sorry for your loss.

Steve

[TUFCAT]

Steve P ... even though we're just a motley group of Mopar gearheads - - as a Dad, truer words have never been spoken!  Hardly a day goes by when I don't think about this as well.  Anybody who has children (and I have a two year old daughter and nine year old son) still can't help but feel sympathy and grief over this tragedy.  Thanks for reposting and opening this thread again.  For all of us Dad's out there ...it never hurts to read this story one more time, say another prayer, and appreciate all the joy these little gifts from God  bring to us each and every day.       TUF