Remembering Justin Bloxom And A Mother’s Mission Of Love

I don't know how a parent can ever come to terms with the loss of a child. It is just not something I can comprehend. And most parents could never come to grips with that. But it happened to someone I dearly love and it was a tragedy.

On March 30, 2010, 12-year-old Justin Bloxom was brutally murdered. I knew Justin. I have worked with his Mom, Amy Bloxom for many many years. She is a dear friend. I tell people she's one of my "bail me out of jail" friends. No questions asked, she's coming to get me out. She's also my boss. But we love and respect each other.

Impact of Justin Bloxom's Murder

Her life forever changed on that terrible day 16 years ago, Amy had to face evil as she learned her beloved Justin was murdered by a predator. A man who posed as a young girl in text messages to lure Justin away from his friends house in the middle of the night. This "girl" told Justin she was sending a cab to pick him up so they could meet. The cab driver was the killer.

Justin was a youngster that was full of life. He was friendly and funny. Oh, he was funny. And his smile would light up a room. His Mom tells me a story about a new girl in school who was nervous about making friends and it was Justin who stepped up to welcome her to the school. Justin loved his brothers and his family and was always goofing around. He was a boy who loved life and love to have fun.

I can only imagine what Amy thinks about each year as this day arrives. Who would Justin be today? Would he be married? Would he have children? What would he be doing to earn a living? Those questions much be tough to ponder. But I know she thinks about that. How could you not?

What the Bloxom Family Hopes You Will Do Today

But my dear friend Amy has turned this tragedy into a time to "pay it forward". She will do all kinds of acts of service to others today and she urges you to do the same. She's planning to visit Justin's gravesite and she will also bring flowers to place on someone else's grave. She will be picking up the tab for a car behind her at Starbucks. She tells me that's what Justin would want her to do.

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She is not the same woman she was on that horrific day. She lost a piece of her heart. And she still grieves for her beloved son. But she tells his story to anyone who will listen. She has helped train judges, police officers, prosecutors and many others about these kinds of crimes against children. And you should know Amy's knees shake when she has to get up an speak in front of 10 people. It's just not her thing. But she does it for Justin and for other families who have also lived this kind of tragedy.

The man who killed her son, Brian Horn is on death row at Angola.

Please pray for Amy and her entire family today and remember to "pay it forward" in Justin's honor.