Below is a copy of the "Letter to the Editor"
from the parents of Logan: Lonnie and JJ O'Neal

"Dear Editor:
This letter has been long overdue and it is with saddened heart that we write it after the death of our son. With the passing of our sweet angel Logan on November 4, 2000, a two-year battle with cancer was ended and lost.

During these past two years, we were blessed to have been helped by so many people from all the surrounding communities. We can never repay them, but would like to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

First, we want to thank our families. Without their support in numerous ways, we could not have made it. Through all the trips to Memphis and Shreveport, and all the hospital stays, we could not have survived without their unselfish support.

We also thank our employers, Webster Parish School Board (Cotton Valley High School) and Springhill Medical Center. They have been both understanding and supportive throughout this whole ordeal.

In today's world where most employers are more concerned with the "bottom line," both of these were concerned about our son and how they could help us. Neither employer wanted us to regret not spending as much time with Logan as possible.

We would like to extend a special thank you to our co-workers. All the Webster parish employees who gave sick days and those who worked extra shifts at the hospital so we could spend extra time with Logan.

We also would like to thank everyone in the communities of Springhill, Minden, Shongaloo, Cotton Valley and Sarepta. Without their help, prayers and friendship, we probably would not have lasted two years in the fight.

Because of your generosity, we have been able to keep pace with all our expenses that have arisen. In this day and age when you think there is not good left in this world, an incident or person will arise and show that there are still good people and good deeds all around.

We will never truly understand the full purpose of why Logan had this dreadful disease, but we think one reason for his illness was to unite these towns and people into one, despite religion, race or gender.

Logan touched many lives while he was here with his strength, determination and pure faith. This was evident in the fact that people always wanted to hear Logan's "angel stories."

The overwhelming turnout at the funeral home and the funeral itself was a tribute to Logan and we thank each and every one of you who were able to attend and apologize for those who could not because of the time.

The many cards and flowers that we received were special and helped us again cope with the death of our young child. We also thank those who made donations to St. Jude's in Logan's memory. It will hopefully help those in the future.

More people than just his immediate family loved Logan. We hope his story will live on for a while and his stories will provide faith for those who need it.

Logan was truly a special angel who has been called back to his Father in Heaven.

He is where we are all striving to go when our time comes. Finally, he is at rest and free from pain and doing all the things he has always wanted to do.

Again, thank you for everything that each and every one of you did for our family. We truly appreciate you and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

With love and many thanks,
Lonnie and JJ O'Neal