Easter Boy

On July 3, 1991, Clute Barrow Nelson was born to Donald Lainhart Nelson and Phyllis Barrow Nelson. Came out blonde and blue-eyed and screaming, as babies do, but quickly adjusted to life outside his mother’s womb. He may not have laughed until he was a few months old but his parents could tell he wanted to before that. He progressed as children normally do. Laughing, then crawling, then walking and talking. Everybody loved this little baby, and he loved everyone around him, and things were going wonderfully in the Nelson family.

Then on January 15, 1997, when Clute was 5 ½ years old, he was diagnosed with a large anaplastic astrocytoma tumor in his brain. A parents absolute worst nightmare: cancer. His parents bounced from doctor to doctor, travelling across the country searching for answers and for cures. After 18 months of bravely battling such a terrible diagnosis, Clute succumbed to the horror on May 27, 1998 at almost 7 years old. 

Everyone around him felt the loss, and grieved. His parents built a large gravestone to honor him, writing: “‘...and a little child shall lead them.’ - Isaiah 14:6

Through his love and example, this little child, Clute, led many people into greater living.”

In addition to this tearful epitaph, his family and friends came together to build a Kugel in the Athens Botanical Garden, making it one of only 2 in the state - Clute had seen one in a museum in Houston and been absolutely fascinated, to the point of his parents deciding he needed one to honor him. Then in 1999, his parents founded The Clute Barrow Nelson Life Foundation to provide financial assistance to other families with children with cancer. The foundation works throughout the state and works with UGA Institute of Leadership Advancement to build a board that collects and allocates funds.

His parents still honor him now, even more than 25 years after his death. The foundation is still running and has given over $600,000 to almost 800 families of children with cancer. On a smaller scale, they keep his gravestone clean and decorated. There are toys next to a picture of him at the base of the stone, and a large slot at the head of it. When I went and instantly felt drawn to him, they had Easter eggs filling the slot as well as small signs with a cardinal, an angel, and a peacock. The reason for the peacock is unknown, perhaps he just loved them. The cardinal I’m sure represents the idea that, “When cardinals appear, angels are near.” They are a sort of omen and messenger for the dead visiting the land of the living and watching over their relatives. And then the angel represents him turning into an angel upon him leaving this world. Next to his gravestone, there is also a small bench with his name engraved on the front, inviting visitors to sit and chat with him.

When walking the cemetery, I was amazed by everything I saw and was unsure which I should write about. As soon as I saw this Easter boy’s grave, I knew I had to write his story. And researching him and finding out what his story actually is, I have loved every step of getting to know him. Him and his family are truly amazing and I am very glad I felt that connection and pull to write for him. Perhaps he watched me sit on his bench and draw on his presence for inspiration. Perhaps he wanted me to write his story as well. I hope I did that, Easter boy.

The information for his foundation and donations can be found at www.clutebarrownelson.org