Isaac Lee McFarland was born on August 11, 2019. On the morning of September 11, 2022 he departed his earthly vessel while at home in his mother’s arms.
His spirit lives on even as we grieve the loss of a beloved son, brother, grandson, and nephew. From the moment he was born, Isaac exceeded expectations for development and had joyfully enjoyed nearly a year of exploring new adventures on his feet - running, climbing, dancing, chasing his sister, and pushing his bubble mower. However, he would always slow down if he found any buttons to push, especially if the result was music. Isaac and his ubiquitous dancing cactus have hosted countless dance parties.
No birds ever flew by the house without Isaac’s excited announcement, “bird, bird!” An avid off-road enthusiast, he readily pointed the way which almost invariably meant out to the shop where he knew the pickup and ATV were waiting. But any attempt to go outside the house for any reason without Isaac was met with immediate protest. He was also known for being a graham cracker connoisseur. We were in constant amazement at Isaac’s ability to observe and emulate others to better interact with his world. Without being intentionally taught, he figured out things such as how to start the ATV, operate outdoor toys, and open doors…sometimes to our dismay.
In the three short years he was with us, he shared innumerable smiles and laughter. Isaac was the quickest with a huge, toothy grin and the tightest of hugs for family, friends, and strangers alike. His joyful spirit persisted even through his lengthy hospital stay, yet his excitement was palpable when he returned home to the farm. A blessing for the whole family that he spent his last days at home embraced in his parents’ arms still insisting on a ride through the pasture to “moo” at the cows. Perhaps most of all, Isaac dearly enjoyed his big sister’s company. Addy recalls how ecstatically Isaac would jump up to grab her when she visited his play pen, pass a ball between them, join her on the trampoline.
As they grew, gentle hugs gave way to gleeful tackles. He was a repeat customer for Addy’s various “shops”, a loyal guard of couch forts, and a formidable freeze tag opponent. Addy’s new bunk bed only got better once her brother figured out how to scale the ladder to join her for wrestling matches we sometimes feared might bring the whole thing down. Though deeply saddened by the void his departure has left in our hearts, we gratefully celebrate his life. We believe that if sorrow is all we receive from our time with Isaac, we will have done nothing more than wasted his time. He made our lives joyful and amazing, and will continue to do so.
Isaac was preceded in death by his grandmother, Shirley Schreiber. He is survived by his parents, Stuart and Susan McFarland, sister, Adeline, grandparents Stuart and Laurel McFarland, and Wilbur Schreiber, aunts, uncles and cousins, Lauren (Remy) Sherman, Paul and Deb McCahan, Mark Schreiber (Luke and Eli).
A celebration of life will be held on October 8, 2022, at 1pm, in Limon Love Funeral Home. Isaac’s final days greatly benefitted from the Lincoln Community Hospital staff. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Gift of Life Foundation, PO Box 245, Hugo, CO 80821, specifically to support construction of a new hospital. We would also encourage you to consider donating blood and/or platelets in his honor as we experienced firsthand the difference these products can make in someone’s life. Family will have refreshments after the service if you wish to join and and commemorate Isaac.
