February 12 marks four years since Hannah Grace Kelley was accidentally shot and killed in the church rec room where her father used to preach.
“She was the sweetest, most innocent kid you could ever have asked for,” says Pastor Tim Kelley of his deceased daughter.
Sunday would have been Hannah’s 24th birthday. To mark the day, Pastor Kelley preached at a special service remembering all lives lost in the parish.
"We talked about loss, we talked about why God allows certain things to happen," said Pastor Kelley.
Hannah’s hearing-impaired aunt signed some of her niece's favorite songs. Home video of Hannah dancing at a ballet recital played in the background.
After church, parishioners launched balloons in memory of their loved ones.
Pastor Kelley said the last four years have been painful.
"When you lose your child, you lose your passion, you lose your ambition," he said. "Everything becomes gray."
The pastor left the church where the shooting happened. He now preaches at Grace Connection at Pasadena Church in St. Petersburg.
Kelley said Hannah’s birthday was the first time since the shooting Hannah’s mother stepped back into a sanctuary.
"It’s almost like a physical pain that you can’t even describe, that just grips you at any given time and takes over your mind and your emotions," said Kelley.
Hannah’s death touched people around the globe. The Kelleys are now in contact with other parents who have lost their children. Pastor Kelley says it’s an unintended ministry but one bringing purpose back into his life.