Remembering Rhoam: Grieving parents share loving memories of their little boy, whose ‘heart had no limits’

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - The parents of 5-year-old Rhoam Summer shared a heartfelt tribute Monday to their little boy, the youngest victim of last week's mass shooting at Bend's Silver Rail Elementary School - in fact, the youngest mass school shooting victim in U.S. history

Here is Kelik and Lillian Summer's tribute, in full:

We understand that this tragedy doesn’t stop with us and the community wants to know about the loss of our beautiful boy, Rhoam.

Rhoam was so so strong. The day he was born, his father gave him his first sink bath at the hospital. In the sink, Rhoam grabbed his dad’s hands and pulled himself up with his own strength. He climbed a ladder (3-step stool) when he was just 6 months old. He never stopped moving. He never stopped climbing. He could do anything.

He was also so kind. Anytime there were guests in our home, he would pull out cups to get everyone drinks or make sure everyone had a snack or make sure everyone had a stuffy to cuddle. He wanted to share everything he had. His heart knew no limits, and it grew with him every single day. We were so proud of who he was and who he was growing to be.

He loved to dance. He loved to help. He wanted to bring the brightest light into the world. He was so hard on himself when he knew he stumbled. We could not have hoped for a more wonderful child and everyone in his family, found family, and friend circle could not wait to see how he grew.

He loved rainbows and unicorns from a very young age. He loved sharks and dinosaurs. He cooked meals with his parents, cuddled at every opportunity, and sang to himself when he was upset. He told the sweetest, most amazing stories and was learning to give each character their own voice.

He was 5 years old. He wanted to go to the pumpkin patch, learn to ride horses, learn to play an instrument, and be a bunny for Halloween.

If people want to memorialize our little Rhoam, we request you draw. Sharks, dinosaurs, monsters... Rhoam loved to tell stories of creatures with big teeth who needed understanding and friendship. Please make art for him. Draw or paint. Use your hands if you can. Get messy. Rhoam was not a child art prodigy, but he had the purest heart and he put love into every scribble, splash or paint, or smashed leaf he tried to shape.

We will love you forever, Rhoam.