This 8-Year-Old Islander Only Lived a Short Time, But the Joy He Spread Is Immeasurable
Contributed By Eliza Smith-Driggs, Church News writer
An estimated 350 people showed up for the paddle out for eight-year-old Grif Pierce. Photo courtesy of Taylor Pierce.
On a somber day in March on the beaches of O‘ahu, Hawaii, Taylor Pierce and her family gathered with hundreds of others in preparation for a memorial paddle out for her departed eight-year-old son, Grif Pierce.
Grif’s family and friends held each other as they shared memories and listened as Jack Johnson performed his song “Home” for his friend Grif.
“This would be Grif’s favorite day ever if he was here,” family friend Richie Norton said to the crowd in tears. “So many good people. Thank you so much.”
Suffering from multiple health problems, such as epilepsy, sickle beta thalassemia, and strokes, “Grif the Great” touched many lives in his short eight years. Photo courtesy of Taylor Pierce.
Earlier that month, Grif was enjoying a normal day, playing at the beach with his family.
“He was running around and happy and had the best time ever, and driving home he kept on saying, ‘I love you, Momma. I love you, Dadda,’” said Grif’s mother, Taylor Pierce. “And then within 15 minutes of us getting home, he went unconscious. And he didn’t ever wake up from that.”
Despite the overwhelming grief the Pierce family are experiencing, Taylor said the greatest miracle has been finding joy in their sorrow.
“It is through [Christ’s] Atonement that I can say that . . . nothing is final. No feeling is final. Life is not final.”
LDS Living tells his full story.
