DETROIT – It was a difficult day as Michael and Makiah Jackson were laid to rest eight days after they were run down by a car in their front yard.
Saying goodbye to the young children -- ages 6 and 3 -- is part of the process that includes justice for their killer.
"To see this happen in front of a house and you're sitting there watching this, and there's nothing you can do ... ," said family friend Dallas Thomas. "And for those two men that did this ... then show no remorse in court."
For their mother, Alisha Jackson, healing may also include leaving behind the biggest reminder of what happened: the scene of the tragedy.
"To be reminded of what happened to her daily, the best thing for her is to get out of that house," said family friend Bertha Matthews.
However, on Thursday in the house of God thoughts were of two young lives lost.
"They're holding up the best they can," said Matthews. "We all are. This is a difficult time."
Three other children and a 23-year-old woman were hit by the car, too. All but 7-year-old Zyaire has been released from the hospital. He remains in critical condition at Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor.
"When you go home tonight, hug your children," said Thomas.