Whenever tragedy strikes, taking the life of a child, hearts are broken far and wide.

We cannot understand why. We cannot imagine how the family feels. We can only send forth prayers of love and support.

That’s how the Oxford community feels today after the loss of 9-year-old Henry Benefiel Miller, who died after a tragic auto accident at home this past weekend.

He was a constant presence at his family’s Oxford restaurant, The Ravine, during the early years of his life and many in the community knew this shining star. He was an avid reader, of fiction and non-fiction, and a beloved son and brother who was taken far too soon.

And, like all of God’s children who depart too soon, he will be missed.

We join together today as a community to offer prayers and support for the family and friends who lost this child, 9-year-old Henry Miller. And, we celebrate the gift of life, since nine years with a shining star is worth every minute.

That’s something all families know who have lost a child.

They know that it is not longevity that makes a mark, but the special qualities of the person, qualities that touched many in a short time.