Heartbreaking farewell for toddler
A SWEET and caring boy with bright blue eyes, a cheeky smile and hair full of curls – that’s how family and friends have remembered a Gold Coast toddler taken too soon.
Hundreds gathered to farewell three-year-old Dustin Vaughan during a celebration of his short but influential life at Dreamcentre Christian Church on Wednesday.
In July, Dustin’s family were given the devastating news that their “amazing, vibrant and caring boy” had a rare brain tumour called Diffuse
Intrinsic Pontine Glioma.
He recently passed away surrounded by family and loved ones.
The toddler’s favourite toys – including trucks, dinosaurs and cars – surrounded his tiny, white coffin as blue balloons floated above.
During the service, dad David Vaughan paid tribute to his little boy, best friend and “hero”.
“You were a blessing from the start, my son,” Mr Vaughan said.
“I could not have asked for a greater friend.
“You gave me sheer joy, experiencing your innocent wonder of the world.
“You are perfect in daddy’s eyes.”
He went on to describe the impact of Dustin’s light on the world.
“You’ve touched so many lives in so many ways – your life has already exceeded mine,” Mr Vaughan said.
“Heaven blew every trumpet and played every horn on that magical morning when you were born.
“And I’m sure that the processions were repeated that magical morning of your new birth into eternity.”
A video of messages from family, friends and members of the church community played during the service.
One church member recalled how she met Dustin when he was “just a little bub” and described him as a “beautiful little boy”.
“He always had the most beautiful smile and such bright eyes,” she said.
“My last memory with him was sitting on the couch watching some TV. I brought him his favourite food, which was a Happy Meal and a chocolate thickshake.
“He was so cute. He was sharing his nuggets with me – he wanted me to have some.
“I’ll really miss him.” A truck led a procession of Harley Davidson motorcycles following the service.
In a touching recreation of a family tradition used to say goodbye, Mr Vaughan ran alongside the hearse, waving to the toddler as it left.
Dustin is survived by his mum Sarah Kennedy, dad David Vaughan, stepdad Wes Kennedy and little brother Jireh.
More than $10,000 has been raised for the family after Dustin’s aunt Kasey Vaughan started an online fundraising campaign to give the family the “biggest gift” they will ever receive – time with Dustin.