I intended this blog to be a little journal, or record of our little family's events, but this once I need to write about a dear friend.
About a week and a half ago I was sitting down late one night after Hubby's family had just left from a birthday bbq we had, and I saw an email from this wonderful friend. It was not at all what I expected. It was an email stating her son was just diagnosed with Leukemia. Her wonderfully awesome 6 year old son, who made great strides in dealing with Aspergers last year in kindergarten, and was a completely different little boy this year that was looking forward to starting the 1st grade. My jaw dropped. And so did my heart.
No one ever wants to hear of a child having to go through the pain and struggles of cancer ... or any illness for that matter. As a mom it hits very hard. As a friend to this little boy's mom it hit even harder.
My Bugger is in a playgroup with this little boy's younger brother - who also happens to have DS, as do 5 out of 6 kids in our playgroup. We have been to this family's annual pigroast, and to the zoo and aquarium with them, and of course over each others homes for many playgroup dates.
I have seen this little man blossom and change with my own eyes. It was amazing!
I continued to await email updates from my friend nightly on her little man's condition and to hear what the doctors planned to do to help him. I knew it was serious, but I knew this was a strong and God-loving family, and that in the end, this would just be a memory.
Three days later I received the call I was dreading. My friend called to let me know he had lost the battle earlier that day. I had no idea what to say to her in that moment. I just wanted to reach through the phone and squeeze her.
My heart aches for her and for the entire family. They are such good people. They teach all three of their children how good it is to give. And how to be loving. And to be accepting of everyone. They teach the life lessons that many young kids today seem to miss out on for one reason or another. They, as a family, are just wonderful in so many ways.
Today was the funeral. It was rough. But to see the church so full made me feel good - this family will figure out how to move forward with love and support of all of those people. All of their family and friends will be there to help them keep this little boy's memory alive, to help them find the light on the dark days.
I can't even begin to imagine how my friend and her husband feel at this moment. This is a pain that no parent should ever know. It has made me make sure I give Bugger and Zilla more hugs and squeezes. And say I Love You more to them and to the Hubby.
I apologize to any who is reading this for the sad tone, but I needed to share this. I am learning to try not to take people and things for granted, and I hope I can share that with you.
To my friend - you are a wonderful and strong and loving and caring and awesome woman, friend, and mother. Please remember that, and don't ever change that.
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