Chandler Grafner's Life

Where do you start when you have so little to work with? So many people after the fact said many many things should have and could have been done, but they were not. It does not change the fact that Chandler did have a life and did have happy times, lets not forget those in the wake of what should have been done.

Below is a personal message from Chandlers Mom - Christina

" He was so beautiful and such a free spirit. "
His favorite color was blue. He liked to play outside alot. He loved the sun and would pick going to the park over getting new toys any day. He had a pet rock collection for himself and he collected one for his brother Dominick. He always picked colorful pretty ones for Dominick and then he would pick the ugly ones for his own collection because he said he can see the beauty in everything and then he would point things out on each of them and tell me why he thought they were beautiful. It was so cute. His favorite songs were We Danced Anyway by Deana Carter and The Lalalalala around the world song. Its a techno song. He knew all the words by the time he was 2 years old. He loved to dance and sing and he loved art and music so much. Christina

Kristin McLains  My Space for Chandler:  CLICK HERE

Chandlers Life as taken from the eulogy.
(Darren McClain delivered this eulogy)

April 12, 2000: Tina gave birth to a beautiful baby boy named Chandler Ashton at University Hospital. Weighing only 3 pounds 4 ounces, Chandler spent the first few weeks of his life in the intensive care nursery. Though he had to eat from a feeding tube and be on oxygen, Chandler was brave and courageous. The nurses would always comment about his strength. I remember how content he was, weather he was eating or sleeping or smiling he was just a happy baby. We were so excited the day we got to take Chandler home and I remember thinking how he was just the size of a football.

Chandler soon got the nickname BING from family. He was so eager to please and had a laugh that Angels could hear. Chandler had lots of love in his live including the love of his papa, David. David would take his BING BOT, as he called him, to the bridge over the river and watch the water flow under their feet. David would say, "look BING BOT here the river comes and there it goes." Chandler would stare at the water with his bright blue eyes and smile with his papa.

As you may know, Chandler loved to swing and all to often fell asleep in that very spot. But there were times when he would be swinging and catch a glance of our dog Tibbs getting a drink of water or even just walking through the house. Chandler was so tickled by this that he would laugh so hard that anybody else around couldn't help but laugh with him. His laugh was contagious and it brightened our days. There is nothing more precious then a child's laughter and Chandler proved that to us.

A baby's first Christmas is always fun for everyone, and Chandler's was no exception. I remember it was snowing that day and thinking how awesome it was to see that happen for the first time in my life on his first Christmas. Tina dressed him in his ridiculously cute Santa suit. Not only was it fun helping him open all of his many gifts, but also seeing the look of surprise and excitement on his innocent little face.

Chandler had a very special aunt and uncle in his life, Uncle Jon and Aunt Stef. They both expressed what a gift Chandler was to them. Jon and Chandler had so many memories together it was hard for Jon to choose just one. Chandler and Uncle Jon would play on the floor and no matter how tired Uncle Jon was from work he would always find time for Chandler. Chandler's face would light up anytime Uncle Jon and Aunt Stef were around. Chandler's Aunt Stef loved to get hugs and kisses from him and loved to spend time with Chandler and watch him play. She remembers thinking how amazing it would be to see the world through the eyes of a child, so simple, so innocent. Things were so simple to Chandler; he had quite the imagination that would turn the most mundane things into joyful moments.

Chandler was a great big brother and was very protective of his little brother Dominick. When Dominick was born Chandler would say "he's my baby". Chandler would hold his brother as they slept to keep him safe through the night, protecting his baby. Sometimes, when playing with his brother and cousin there would be misunderstandings over who got to play with which hot wheel or ninja Turtle? But Chandler was a good mediator as well, always making sure that everyone was okay.

Chandler was such a fine example of unconditional love. He didn't know the meaning of hate. I know we feel Anger, pain, sorrow and guilt for such a promising life cut so short, Chandler didn't deserve this, but we must remember Chandler as he was and what a wonderful blessing he truly was to so many of us.

Chandler wouldn't want us to grieve for him; he would want us to remember all the happiness he brought to our lives. Chandler will forever be in our hearts and that is how he will live on.

Rest easy, little Chandler, for you are at peace now, and remember that we hold you in our hearts and love you so much!

SIGN CHANDLERS GUESTBOOK