JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The parents of a 2-year-old girl struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in July have a special message for the all parents on this Thanksgiving eve.
Janya Solomon's mom and dad want to remind parents to cherish their children and be thankful for what they have, even though it may not be enough.
Janya (pictured below) was killed in a hit-and-run right in front of the family's apartment. Her father has this message for all parents over the holidays.
"Love your kids every moment you've got them because you never know when they will be gone," Antjuan Solomon said.
Solomon, who has six other children, said nothing has been the same since Janya was killed. He and his wife have been unable to find work, dealing with the emotional loss of their child.
"Us going through the court dates, if we could get up and go and get a job we would," said Natalie Parker, Janya's mother. "But just want to see my kids happy."
Police say 34-year-old Serdarus Scott ran over the the toddler. Investigators said he got out of his vehicle and looked over the girl, then got back in the car and rode away with another driver.
The family says they are now overprotective of their children.
Parker said the hardest part is forgiving the person accused of striking and killing her daughter, but over time, she said it's something she's been able to do."
"It's not in my heart. I'm not an angry person," she said. "So yes, it took it time, but I forgave."
The family said the loss of their 2-year-old hurts even more as they approach the holidays, but even in their grief, they've found plenty to be thankful for.
"It's hard for me, but I make it every day because I want to see the smiles on my other kids' faces," Parker said. "And that reminds me life goes on, life is still happy. Just take care of my brothers and sisters."
If you would to help the family over the holidays with a Christmas gift for their six children, email Channel 4's Tarik Minor at tminor@wjxt.com and he will put you in contact with the family.