Overwhelming support

It is difficult to put into words the gratitude our family feels because of the overwhelming support resulting from the sudden and tragic loss of our 3-year-old grandson, Levi Collom.

Of course, nothing can ever replace Levi or close the permanent hole in our hearts, but following his death our family agreed that we wanted him to be remembered in part by making it possible for children to enjoy the many hands-on activities he loved.

We knew that visiting Cape's Discovery Playhouse Children's Museum was one of his favorite things to do. In particular, he loved the water features in Kim's Secret Water Garden, driving the firetruck with Mimi Viney as his passenger, playing with the train, putting plastic food in the picnic basket, finding hay for the horses and putting fruit back on the trees at Granny Ruth's Farm.

Many of the activities Levi enjoyed also related to the fun he had with his family at Current River in Van Buren, Mo. Playing in the water and exploring the surroundings ranked high on Levi's list.

Our task then became putting the two together (fun at Discovery Playhouse and Current River) and coming up with an idea for an interactive exhibit at the playhouse reflecting what Levi enjoyed, and then figuring out a way to trying to see the project through.

We were, and always will be, amazed at and thankful for the emotional and financial support given us as we begin the process of making this undertaking a reality.

The unveiling of a drawing of what will be called Levi's Adventure Trail at the highly successful event in Sikeston, Mo., touched all of our hearts as we realized how happy Levi would be to see children having fun the way he did.

There will be ongoing efforts made to fulfill this dream. Our family's heartfelt thanks will be ongoing as well.

Among other things, all of the donor and volunteer assistance and media support have helped to give Levi's life meaning well beyond his three short years and reflects your recognition that children are our most precious and valuable asset.

We, along with Levi's parents, Glenn and Ellie Collom and sister Victoria Collom of Benton, Mo., uncle Jim Woods of Sikeston, aunt Lauren Mosley Snider, uncle Christopher Snider and cousin Michael Price Snider of Cape Girardeau, grandmother Bobbie Collom of Sikeston and many other family members and friends thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Steve and Viney Mosley of Cape Girardeau are the grandparents of Levi Collom.