Nothing could hold back the tears and wails of family and friends when the tiny body of Kevio Rivaldo Morris was laid to rest yesterday at the St Christopher Church of the Nazarene.The small Christ Church house of worship was filled to overflowing. Hundreds had gathered to pay their last respects, and some had to be content peering through windows, or being huddled together, as others filed past Kevio’s small casket adorned with nearly two dozen cars, a football and teddy bear.The four-year-old Kevio lost his life on July 3, just hours after being the ring bearer at his mother’s wedding. He was found dead at the bottom of a pool at the nearby Peach And Quiet Hotel, now under reconstruction.Bright yellow dresses did nothing to hide the pain of Kevio’s mum Shannon Bourne-Knight and grandmother Ellen Bourne, who wept inconsolably with Kevio’s stepfather Mark Knight and father Dwayne Morris their needed towers of strength.“I will live the kind of life that God wants me to, so that I may see your face again, Kevio,” Bourne-Knight wailed at the graveside.A grief-stricken community shed tears openly as Precious Jewels, How Great Is Our God and Kevio’s favourite I’m In The Lord’s Army were sung.Grandfather Spurdle John, in a short tribute, remembered Kevio as one who loved to share kisses and hugs, and who often whispered those three cherished words “I love you”.John, who last saw Kevio in February when he visited the island, said the deceased loved anything with wheels “and all kinds of balls”.“So anxious was Kevio to play with balls, that as a baby he transformed from creeping to running – just so he could kick the ball,” John added.Kevio’s Milton Lynch Primary School teacher Deborah McCollin, who had to be held up as she left the pew, spoke of Kevio as a sweet child, one whom she recalled walking into school on his first day with a bright blue car in his hand.“Kevio has taught us to enjoy life, to always have a sense of humour, to love unconditionally and to be our brother’s keeper,” she said as she remembered his short school life.Reverend Carl Clarke in his sermon noted the tragic passing had brought the church and the community “closer than they ever were”.He told parents in the congregation that when God gave them “jewels”, they should always embrace them, love them and care for them, since no one knew when God would call them away.“We do not know the day or the time he will call for us; so let us embrace one another as families, mend the gaps and cherish the time together,” Clarke stated.
