Family, friends, neighbors and classmates of Hayden Barnes Ellias gathered at the Abundant Life Church in Stephens City Wednesday evening, one year after Hayden's death.

Hayden died when a soccer goal fell over on him.

The community shared memories of the always smiling fourth grader.

And they wrote notes to him on the sides of balloons.

Pastor John Miller knew Hayden well.

"He and my son were very best friends and they got to know each other. He slept over all the time and he comes from a wonderful family. We are saddened of course by the loss of Hayden a year ago, but know that he's in a better place today. But it is still hard amidst the grief of the family," said Pastor Miller.

His friends and former classmates all wanted to talk about Hayden and they had similar things to say...

"[He was] nice, friendly, he'd make friends with anybody, " said Jacob.

"He was just so lovable and if you had a problem you could go talk to him about it," said Courtney.

"I learned a lot of stuff from him and he was just really athletic," said Audra

"I think I had never seen him frown in my whole life," said Sarah.

If his sister Alanna could talk with Hayden, she would want him to know one thing.

"That I miss him."

Losing a young child often makes people ask "Why?"

"This is where we have to come and say God you have so much more wisdom and knowledge. We don't understand it, that is why we come and trust you," said Pastor Miller.

Hayden may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.

" We love you and we miss your smiling face. We wish you were here," said a family friend.