#james anton

Young Amelia Earhart: A Dream to Fly (1991)

Text: Sarah Alcott -- Art: James Anton

Last year I was able to attend James Anton’s memorial service on Lana‘i, but we left before his burial... so when we went back to the island a couple weeks ago for the Lana‘i Mission Trip (which is how we are connected to James), this year’s team got to visit his grave. Some of us knew him, most of us didn’t.

His mom couldn’t be with us, but his dad took us to James’ grave. I came to know his parents through the hospital visits during the months before his death. The cause of the initial seizure that eventually led to his death months later is still unknown and his dad does not care to know because he understands that it won’t bring his son back.

James’ family is from Kosrae, a small island in the Federated States of Micronesia. James’ parents, Anton and Mayumi, don’t speak perfect English, but they talk with us and share stories. They thank us over and over again and express their appreciation for all that we’ve done for James and for their family. 

I am so inspired by their faith and their trust in God. 

Nine-year-old James had a seizure one day, first seizure he ever had, then he was put in a coma for stabilization, turned ten on the hospital bed, and remained in that coma until his parents finally decided to let him go after months of little progress. 

They gave up their son.

And they’re not mad at God that they had to do it. They’re still very sad, but they’ve accepted his loss graciously. They still believe God has a better plan for them. 

My thoughts about God and plans have changed in the past couple years, but the fact that they’re able to go through all of this and remain hopeful in God is so inspiring to me.