Beech Tree News Network

Do you believe in angels on earth? After you read this story, I hope it either makes you believe stronger, or convinces you there are, without a doubt, angels here on earth.

Recently I met an amazing, strong, compassionate Christian lady that was blessed with an angel here on earth for 5 years. Doretha Townsley had the blessing of raising her grandson, Jayden Hawkins, and she tells me there is no doubt, whatsoever, that he was definitely an angel sent to earth by God.

This story began on August 19, 2010 when Jayden started his journey here on earth. At the age of four months, Jayden's father, Aaron gained custody of him and they resided with Jayden's grandmother (Aaron's mother) Doretha, from that time on.

Doretha believes, without one ounce of doubt, that Jayden was sent to this earth to give her back her life. She said she had gotten in bad health and could barely walk and all she basically did was sit in her chair. Well, when Jayden became old enough to really "need" her, he made sure she stayed very active by waiting on him and jumping at his every wish. Of course, grandma didn't mind this at all and very soon, she became much healthier and able to be more mobile. She said had it not been for Jayden, she doesn't think she would have ever had that desire again.

Jayden, the child with the enormous smile! Always a happy child she said, always smiling and laughing and bringing such joy to others. Never meeting a stranger and making friends and touching the lives of every person he met, especially the adult crowd. Every person that attended Jesus First Pentecostal Church in Ohio Co, Ky, (where Doretha attends) loved Jayden and his outgoing personality.

Doretha said she sang in church and one of her songs that she sang was Fire, Fire Shut Up In My Bones. She said after hearing it, Jayden decided he needed to sing it so he did (with the help of grandma) and blessed everyone. Even though he didn't know all the words, the blessing was so incredible. When he came to testifying, well Jayden wasn't going to be left out of that either. He raised his hand one day to testify, and when the preacher asked him what he had to say he replied "I like brownies." The preacher let him know he liked brownies too and someone needed to bake them some. Its memories like this that makes his grandmother smile, even today.

When Jayden became of school age, they enrolled him in preschool at Morgantown Elementary. The child with the happy face and huge smile! Jayden just fit right in with his teacher and the kids there because his smile just lit up the room and his personality set the stage for other kids. His grandmother tells me that the day he got his pre-school diploma was just the greatest day ever he thought. The photo of him just tells it all. His cap and gown meant the world to him.  Life was good for Jayden. If only all children could have such a sweet childhood and be so carefree.

Jayden started Kindergarten in August 2015. In just a little over two weeks of being in Kindergarten, he received the Leader In Me Award. He was so proud of his accomplishment, but I believe grandma was even more proud.

Jayden had a gift (for lack of better terminology) that Doretha says he must have gotten from her mother. He could tell you things that were going to happen. If you don't believe in angels here on earth, brace yourself for this. Jayden told his grandmother at Christmas time, 2014 that he wouldn't be there to celebrate Christmas with them the next year. Yes, if you're like me, chills just ran down your spine. Doretha said she told him "Jayden, don't say that, don't say stuff like that." His response "I'm just telling you Grandma, I won't be."

When Doretha went to church, Jayden went to church. Jayden enjoyed his church time and often asked to be prayed for. The last time he asked to be prayed for was the Saturday night before the tragedy hit on Monday. Doretha said the preacher told her Jayden knew something was about to happen.

 It’s so amazing the gift that Doretha says her mother, Jayden and her son have of seeing things before they happen. She said her mother was in the nursing home before she passed and she was visiting her one day and her mother said “oh look at that pretty baby” (now keep in mind, this was before Jayden was ever born). Doretha said “baby? Where?” Her mother responded by saying “right there, beside you, he’s yours.”

Monday, September 28, 2015 was a day that would change Jayden's family and friend's lives forever. This was the day of the horrifying bus accident that took Jayden's life. It was a freak accident that really can't be explained but one that will never be forgotten. Doretha's worst nightmare had came true and the vision that Jayden had had become true. He would not be with them to celebrate another Christmas.

Jayden’s grandmother was always out there to pick him up off the bus, she always parked under the tree at the end of the drive. This particular day, she had been tied up on the phone and was 2 minutes late getting to the bus stop. She believes God did not intend for her to witness the accident or see Jayden in that state and that’s why she was late arriving. When she got to the scene, the bus was past the driveway and everyone was screaming and it was very chaotic. She did see Jayden laying in the road, but a kind gentleman helped her to her house because he knew she didn’t need to be out there.

Doretha shared with me about the moment she told her son Aaron that his little boy had been in a terrible accident. She said Aaron, needless to say, was in shock and extremely upset. He then told her three days before the accident that he had been having reoccurring dreams about a man, a woman and a little boy. He then knew, after Jayden’s death, that the dream was Doretha’s brother Willie, her mother and that they were coming after Jayden to take him home.

The funeral was beyond devastating for Doretha and the whole family. She said people came by the bunches. Friends, family, teachers. Jayden had many friends, but she said his best friend was Clayton Cardwell. She said Clayton had a terrible time losing his best buddy. Doretha said the people lined the streets of town when the funeral possession drove through. She said people in businesses came out to the curb and showed respect for Jayden. She was so touched and amazed at the people that loved her grandbaby.

A candlelight ceremony was held in Bowling Green in Jayden’s honor by a family member.  During the service, many people came around and spoke to Doretha and gave their condolences and memories were shared. During this time, a little boy that rode the bus with Jayden came up to Doretha with adorable spiked up hair. He showed it to Doretha and she asked him “did Jayden like your hair spiked up”, his reply “Jayden told me to wear it like this when he died.” Again, how can you deny this child was an angel? So many circumstances prove it over and over again.

Doretha broke down while talking to me so many times, it was heartbreaking. She just kept saying how so many people came, so many people loved Jayden but no one could bring  him back. But then she rethought that and told me she would not want him back, it was God’s plan and Jayden is much better off in his heavenly home. She believes that God took him due to the fact maybe later in life something would happen to him to where Doretha couldn’t get to him, like a car accident or something. And with this accident, she knew where he was.

Later in our time spent together, Doretha’s boyfriend Todd Tines joined us. Todd had been with them Jayden’s entire life and the best way he could describe Jayden through the tears was “he was my buddy, my pal” Todd was always singing songs with Jayden and one that stands out was Froggy Went A Courtin’. Grandma says Jayden really liked his parts in that song. Todd said everywhere he went, Jayden went. Todd says he taught Jayden how to walk, talk and all the bad things. Jayden slept with Todd most of the time and in Todd’s words “he thought I hung the moon and stars.”  He obviously was Todd’s sidekick.

Todd had much more to share than just his time spent with Jayden while he was on this earth, he shared the miracle with me that has taken place since the death of Jayden. He has honestly taken something so negative and turned it into a positive and proved once again, our God works miracles in everyone if they will let Him. Todd’s words “Jayden was and is still my angel.”

Jayden helped Todd through a lot of problems he'd had in his life.  He grew up thinking and being told he was worthless, that he couldn’t become anything any better. He said loosing Jayden was the worst thing ever in his life. He tried to commit suicide after his death. He completely hit rock bottom. At the bottom is where Todd found God through this tragedy and he says “God’s with me when I need him, and he’s with me when I don’t.” Todd says he has figured out life isn’t so hard now because God is on his side. He studies his bible and he talks to God. He said firmly “I’ve got this."

At the age of 50, Todd enrolled in college. Something he is still amazed over and extremely proud of (rightfully so). He gives all the credit to Jayden and God for how his life has turned around. He said he would have never done all this had it not been for Jayden, his buddy.

I’m a firm believer of angels here on earth, have been as long as I can remember, and after hearing the story of Jayden Hawkins, it makes me stronger in that belief. This little boy, in his short time here on earth, touched so many lives and brought happiness to so many people. I appreciate his grandmother, Doretha Townsley and Todd for sharing this story with me. I know it wasn’t easy, a lot of tears were shed, but I have no doubt it will touch the hearts of so many and help keep Jayden’s memory alive. -+

About Debby:
In 2014, I felt a calling from God to change the course of my photography. Here is a little info on Today's Miracle Photography:

Memories last forever; I have a deep passion for photography and writing, and have had for many years. I wanted to tie these two together and use my passion for the glory of God. When our granddaughter Lexi (not by blood) was born, and shortly passed, I felt God wanted me to share her story, from that point on, I've felt that calling. To reach out to people that have had miracles performed in their lives, to bring awareness to terminally ill people, people that have lost loved ones, people that struggle with addictions, just various aspects of life that God works miracles in.
God works miracles everyday, share yours with me and lets share it with the world. I believe these people I photo shoot and write about need prayer and the best way to start a prayer chain and praise God, is with a big group of people that will share all over the world. No miracle is to great or small to praise God for.

I have a page on Facebook named Today's Miracle Photography, please follow me there to capture these incredible people's story's and photos as well.

Debby Lanham