CHRISTIAN STRICKLAND

May the love, memories and prayers from family and friends comfort you at the first year anniversary of Christian's "promotion" to Heaven, Sunday, August 5. I whisper a prayer for all of you every time I pass your home or think of all his family and friends. He truly was a light for Jesus and I was blessed to have been a small part of his life, though a much too short of a time.

As I often pass his home knowing I'll never see Christian running to my car to come play with Patrick at the park or at home, I whisper prayers for all his family to be comforted. My heart hurts for you all. I will never forget his love, his spirit. Christian one day we will see you on the streets of Heaven. You were a gift to all of your family and friends.

School starts tomorrow and I'm so sad Christian won't be with us. I am grateful to have been his teacher in second grade and hope he knew how much I loved him. He brought great energy to our classroom and was so thoughtful towards his classmates. Sometimes he would give up the prize he won to make another friend feel better. Christian has a special place in my heart; I'll never forget him.

That smile - those eyes. Christian was a special little boy, who has a special place in my heart.

Please take comfort in the knowledge that he is not hurting any more.

We will all miss little Christian

I just heard the news today of one of the greatest losses you will ever endure. My grandson passed from SIDS in his short but wonderful life of four months in 2007. May you be comforted by the wonderful memories you will have of Christian. You will cherish and hold these in your hearts forever. I'm certain that Christian and my grandson Ethan will find each other and become buddies in heaven.

No words can help, right now, or ever, really, I know. I lost my 7 year old son two years ago to an undiagnosed heart condition. I have found peace through holding all the dear memories of him close, and seeing him in dreams when I feel the distance most.
I see him in every ray of sunshine and in every smiling child I meet.
I know it's hard to believe, but in time life becomes almost bearable again.

Much love and the deepest sympathy to your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

I teach first grade at G.A.E.S and I had the pleasure of getting to know Christian during his first grade year. Christian was an amazing child. He never passed me in the hall without saying hello or telling me a quick story. He had a bright smile along with a warm and welcoming personality. He will be missed greatly and this is an unbelievable loss for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this time.

I mourn the loss of Christian as I do my 10 year old niece who died of the same thing in South Carolina 7/6/10. My heart hurts for your pain. I am so sorry for your loss.

Christian's Family,
Christian was a boy larger than life. I carry fond memories of his smiling face and amazing bright eyes when I would arrive to his classroom. "Mrs. April, Mrs. April,(not really the way my name is pronounced:>) can I line up first? I was really good today!" He loved to go first and he always wanted to play the alphabet name game. He was always ready with an "A" because he just new he was going to be first in line:>. Of course I chose a different subject each time so he would have to come up with a new word. Sometimes he even liked to give more than one! He will be missed so much at Glen Allen Elementary. I find comfort knowing he will be there to greet me in Heaven, our "double Christian". May God's loving arms and Word comfort you all each and everyday.
Stephanie Apel
(Instructional Assistant at G.A.E.S.)
A.K.A. Mrs. April:>

As a 2nd grade teacher at GAES I had the pleasure of seeing Christian each day. I remember him coming down the hall each morning on the way to class. He always had that beautiful, contagious smile and would wish me and others along the way a cheerful good morning. He was a true treasure to all who were fortunate enough to know him and he will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

I can only say that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Christian was a great blessing in all of our lives. I will always have fond memories of him and his smile. He had so much energy and the biggest heart. I remember telling Bonnie that I needed to get gas on the way home and Christian being the selfless boy he was said "You need some money?". Thinking of you always.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Rand and Strickland families. There is no greater loss than that of a child. he will forever stay in our hearts. May God be with you.

Know that my thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you now and in the future. No loss is greater than the loss of a child. It is during this time that faith is formed and tested. May God's peace be with you.

Dear Strickland and Rands families,
Thank you for sharing Christian with the Glen Allen Elementary staff and students. He was a beautiful child, full of energy. I remember him running up and down the basketball court at one of his games smiling the whole time. He would do the sweetest things for his classmates like writing notes and sharing his snacks. Christian loved interacting with everyone he passed in the hallways. He would always let you know how is day was going with complete honesty while looking at you with those amazing eyes. He holds a special place in my heart.

I was lucky enough to have Christian come through my second grade classroom at Glen Allen when we would switch classes for special days like China Day, Native American Day, etc. I also saw him play at recess each day with my class and the other children. He was a beautiful boy. I am so sorry for your loss and will keep praying that God will help to comfort you and hold you in the palm of his hand.

To Christian's family: it was Patrick's and my blessing to be together on many days at the park and at Patrick's home this year, after school. Such a lover of his family and friends. Knowing that he knew Jesus is comfort -- How we will miss him. "Who then is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven?" Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them. You are LIVING forever Christian and we will see you. Thank you Amber and Mary for sharing Christian with us. Love, Patrick's "grandma"

Christian will be dearly missed. His huge personality and big heart could light up a room. I always giggled when he would call me Jesse and then call Jesse, Erin. He loved life and loved his family! I pray peace over the family and friends of Christian.

Like Job do not lose faith, It's a pill hard to to take. Your angel was his as well, and as your eyes and heart begin to swell I pray. Do not be lead astray, the love of god is indeed strange. This angel found your family and there is no doubt in my heart that you will be together again one day.

With my condolences,

Jimmy V

I am so sorry for your loss.
Rip Christian

Such a sweet little face. God be with you during this time and forever comfort your hearts.

Hello, we are related to your cousin Karen Nicely. We heard about your son, and just wanted to tell you how very sorry we are for your loss. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this very difficult time. May God be with you every step.

We do not know your family, but our hearts ache for you , your family will continue to be in our prayers.
In His Love,
Ashland Virginia

To the Strickland Family: Our hearts goes out to you. We pray that God will give you the stength to continue on your journey knowing that your son is resting in the arms of Jesus.

We're heart-broken to hear the news. So thankful for Christ's promise to Christian. Please know we are praising God for him, and praying for your family.

Christian was such a well manored little boy & had a heart of gold. Olivia & I will miss him dearly. He's one of Gods little angels now. RIP Christian

My heart aches for your loss!! I pray you find joy in your memories, love and support from your family and friends, and peace from our loving Heavenly Father. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.

May God's love give comfort and peace to each of you. We all look to our future hope when we are joined once again with our loved ones. Christian will be waiting for you.

As a mother of a rising third grade son myself my heart is broken for you guys. Your family is in my prayers.

Mary, you were such a good grandmother to Christian. I know your heart is breaking and that nothing can ease that pain. I'm so sorry for your loss.

God has the sweetest angle to watch over his little ones

My prayers are lifted up to your parents that God will carry them in His hands and give them peace at this time, knowing that you are with Him, and reminding them that they will see you again.

I don't personally know your family but I just wanted to say that my heart goes out to you!! Christian sounds like he was such a wonderful child!! Your family will be in my prayers. Juli P, Glen Allen, VA.

To Christian's Family-
You do not know me, but my heart sank when I saw this story on the news. No bond is greater than that of a mother and her child. Words can not express how sorry I am for the loss of your precious son.

My thoughts are with the family at this the most trying of times. Christian was a sweetie. He was so energetic and loving. In he short time I have known him, he touched my heart as he did with anyone that met him. He will be missed greatly.

You were such a precious addition to our family, but for way too short a time. aunt nancie