Ezra Morningstar

Ezra Jobe Morningstar, was the beloved son of William Eugene Morningstar and Cana Praise Morningstar, nurturing and playful brother of Judah Kai, Arie Mahala and Magnolia Soleil Morningstar, devoted grandson of Elizabeth (“Mom Mom”) and William (“Dad Dad”) Morningstar, Patricia (“Mom Mom the great”) Bonnell and Robert (“Bob Bob”) Bonnell, and magnetic nephew of Mary Dabecco, Donald Morningstar, Margret (Annie) Jackson, Barbara Smith, Theresa Morningstar, Robert Morningstar, Kristin Potler and Aaron Bonnell. His memory will also be carried by his very large, energetic and creative tribe of cousins…20 first cousins and 19 second cousins. As his friends have said, “He lit up every room he walked into.” He loved and was loved so well by many. His legacy and love of skating, surfing, music, art, dancing and hilarious antics, will absolutely live on through his family and friends!

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 Lest you think there’s no joy or laughter in heaven, rest assured. Ezra Jobe has arrived.
    Ezra means “helper” in Hebrew. It’s probably derived from the longer name “Azaryhu,” which means “God helps.” I think the astute will know where I’m going here. I could end this memorial now, go home, have a good cry  and we would all have a clear image of the man Ezra was.
   I have to tell you a childhood memory I have of my beloved grandson. I think this will further encapsulate him, plus I rediscovered  this memory the day before he died when I pulled it from a junk drawer at home. I pause a moment to say that we undervalue our junk drawers. There may be God Moments within.
   Years ago I  went to visit my daughter on Mother’s Day. Ezra was about five or six years old. “MomMom, did you know I was born on Mother’s Day?” 
    “I did. I was there.”
    “My mom said I was the best gift ever!”
    “You were.”
    “Were my eyes open?”
     “Yes. They were.”
     “Yeah. I saw you.”
   Ezra started his gift of sight on the day of his birth. Ezra saw me. He saw his mother, his father. He saw Judah, Arie and Magnolia.
    He saw you. I mean, he really SAW you. No one, young or old or outcast, was dismissed in Ezra’s presence. I’m not a superhero aficionado but there was some sort of X Ray vision that allowed him to see into people’s souls even after a brief encounter. Everyone who met him, even when he was being a goof, felt it.
   In Isaiah 57: 1, 2 (seven doors down from the book of Ezra!), we are told that the righteous perish. Merciful men are taken away and though no one can understand why, they are taken to be spared from the evil that is to come. They enter into peace and find rest.
   It’s hard to imagine our Ezra resting. I hope there’s a Plan B once Jesus sees his boundless energy, because Ezra Jobe Morningstar walked, talked, flipped, flopped, surfed, skated, alley-ooped, kick-flipped and…
   …danced in mercy. 
 He really was “the best gift ever.”
   

Family and friends may gather at Burbage Funeral Home, 108 Williams St., Berlin, MD 21811 for a public visitation on Thursday, January 18 from 5:00-7:00pm and on Friday, January 19 from 10:00-11:00am. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00am. Interment will immediately follow at Gardens of the Pines in Berlin, MD.