Life is a gift from God

Life is a gift from God. A precious gift.

But unfortunately, sometimes that life is taken from us before it has barely begun. Such was the case for 16 children, ranging in age from 6 days to 10 years, who died in Iowa in 2008 from abuse and neglect.

From all across the state, the names of these innocent victims are remembered:

• Aliya Blanchard, 6 days

• Delilah Ann Clark, 1 week

• Spencer Lee Corson, 3

• Tanner Heinrich-William Doran, 15 months

• Alexis Gilbert, 7 months

• Skylar Christine Inman, 2

• Seth Kehoe, 2

• Domanic Meador, 1

• Xzavier Posey, 4 months

• Eleanor Sueppel, 3

• Ethan Sueppel, 10

• Mira Sueppel, 5

• Seth Sueppel, 8

• Alysha Suing, 8

• Kendra Suing,10

• Antwuan Williams Jr., 8 months

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. For the past five years, a memorial to the abused and neglected children in our state has taken place. This year, "Light of Hope: A Service of Remembrance and Hope" was April 16 at at Blank Children's Hospital in Des Moines.

To read the rest of the story: Des Moines Register