Father Says Hearts Go Out To Woman Who Ran Over 2-Year-Old

WOODLAND (CBS13) - His 2-year-old was hit and killed in the parking lot of a Woodland grocery store, but the grieving father wants the driver to know that she's not to blame.

"Do not grieve that he is gone. Rejoice in that he was," said Richard Lewis.

The family of Elijah Lewis is banding together as they try to deal with the heartbreak of losing the almost 3-year-old.

Richard says his two teenage sons are overcome with grief and guilt that they weren't there to watch their brother on the shopping trip.

The father says Elijah unfastened himself from his stroller and took off running. His wife, who is five months pregnant, wasn't able to get to him in time.

"Close enough to see, not close enough to do anything about it," said Richard of the accident.

Richard says his family wants the woman who ran over their son to know they don't blame her.

"Yes things for us are hard, but I can only imagine what she's going through," he said.

The family plans to have a candle light vigil and especially want her to go.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to her and her family," said Richard.

Family and strangers joined together to honor Elijah at a memorial outside the Woodland Bel Air. It's already the little things taken for granted his family is missing the most.

The family was planning Elijah's birthday party that was just three weeks away. Instead, on July 27 they plan on having the funeral to say their final farewells.