On Tuesday, May 11, 2010 in Layton, Utah, four year old Ethan Jonathan David Stacy was killed after being severely tortured and beaten by his step-father and mother, Nathan and Stephanie Sloop. I have to step back and take a broader look at this picture and wonder if this needless death could have been prevented.
As an entrepreneur I am always eager to share what my latest venture is or to be involved with the next entrepreneurial seminar but how enthusiastic am I in getting involved in my own community, let alone with those who live right next door to me. I wonder if in the 5 days of torture ensuing in the death of little Ethan if signs or clues were not given to where an observant neighbor might have been able to interject and save Ethan’s life.
I am not talking about being nosy, gossipy or meddlesome. I am simply saying that we need to be more involved with our neighbors and community. Ask yourself these questions and if you are not able to answer them, then you have some homework to do:
1. What are the names of my neighbors?
2. What are the names of my neighbor’s children?
3. What are the occupations of my neighbors?
4. What are the religious or ethical beliefs of my neighbors?
I believe that we are our brother’s keepers. Steven R Covey, in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, states that we are interdependent beings; meaning that we thrive when we work together harmoniously. You and I can accomplish 3 times more than I can alone. With instant messaging, texting, Facebook and Twitter we are losing the personal touch that caused us to flourish in the first place.
Ethan Jonathan David Stacy has not been the first child to lose their life to domestic violence but I want you to ask yourself if his death has to be needless. I believe the time has never been greater than now to step outside of our digital world and really get to know who is around us and what caliber of people they are.
Below is the obituary for Ethan that I took from www.ObitsUtah.com.
Ethan Jonathan David Stacy
September 22, 2005 ~ May 11, 2010
Hometown: Richlands, VA
ETHAN JONATHAN DAVID STACY, 4 years old of Richlands, Virginia, passed away Tuesday, May 11, 2010 in Layton, Utah. Born at Fort Stewart Army Base in Savannah, Georgia on September 22, 2005, he was the son of Joe Gary Stacy of Richlands, Virginia. Ethan was a fun loving boy who enjoyed life and loved playing with his Transformers.
Ethan is survived by his loving father – Joe Gary Stacy and his fiancé Becky Leigh Elswick of Richlands, Virginia, One sister – Alisa Destiny Stacy, Mt. Carmel, IL, One Brother – Destrian Jonathan David Stacy, Mt. Carmel, IL, Paternal Grandmother – Peggy Jo and her husband David Akers, Grundy, VA, Paternal Grandfather – Gary Steven and his wife Freda Stacy, Hurley, VA, Maternal grandparents – John and Katrina Busby, Apopka, FL
He is also survived by several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
Funeral services for ETHAN JONATHAN DAVID STACY will be conducted Wednesday, May 19, 2010 at 1:00 P.M. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Evangelist Mike Rife officiating with burial to follow in the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery, Richlands, Virginia.
Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home chapel after 5:00 P.M. Tuesday with evening services at 7:00 P.M.
Active Pallbearers will be Marshall Osborne, Brett Sword, Aaron Keene and Jacob Keene.
A memorial fund has been set up for Ethan Stacy at Tru Point Bank – P. O. Box 1010 – Grundy, Virginia 24614 – Ethan Stacy Memorial Fund.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grundyfuneralhome.com
Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy, Virginia is in charge of all arrangements.
What are your thoughts or feelings about getting out in your neighborhood and community and being involved?
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Tue, May 18, 2010
Emotional Awareness, Health and Wellness