I just went to a nine year old's wake tonight; the grandson of someone I work with. He died of leukemia. He got it when he was three. His sister gave him her bone marrow and added an extra 14 months to his life. He died Saturday, four months before he turned ten.
He never got to add a second digit to his age.
He never got to have a first kiss.
He never got to learn how to drive a car.
He never got to go to prom.
He never got to graduate from high school and wear a mortarboard with tassel.
He never got to get married and make love to his wife.
He never got to see his children.
He never got a chance to live because he had cancer for six out of nine years of his life.
What the hell am I complaining about? Wah wah wah I have to deal with the insurance company. Boo hoo hoo I have some back pain that isn't PERMANENT and WILL GET BETTER. I have a house. A job. A husband. A future. I got to cherish the beautiful sunset tonight. Jesse didn't.
Visit his memorial page here. View the slide show--he always had a smile on his face. I hope he's smiling now, since his body doesn't have to fight any more.
Peace be with you Jesse.
Never cried from a blog before . . . can't say that tomorrow.
Posted by: Jake | August 23, 2006 at 01:45 AM
I lost my cousin to leukemia when he was the same age. His came on suddenly and, within 6 months, he was gone. Is there anything sadder than a child leaving before his time? Or having parents outlive their children? Brings tears to my eyes whenever I think about it. So sad.
Posted by: MetroDad | August 23, 2006 at 08:06 AM
I'm so so sorry. Though I lost a friend at 8 years old to leukemia, it's so different to view it and the emotions that go with it now that I am a parent. Children should never go first. Never.
Posted by: Dawn | August 23, 2006 at 09:08 AM
being part of that really gives you a perspective on your own life, doesn't it?
it does for me.
i'm so sorry to hear of his death...may he be at peace now, and we continue the fight in his memory.
Posted by: shelley | August 23, 2006 at 01:24 PM
Hi, Samantha. Thanks for checking out my blog. I was trying to wait to comment on something upbeat but between this and the post about killing animals...sheesh. I'll come back, though. There will be something upbeat yet.
Posted by: cjh | August 23, 2006 at 08:49 PM
I'm so sorry. There cant be anything worse that the loss of a child. I feel for you lately with all you have been going through.
Posted by: andrea | August 24, 2006 at 10:33 PM
Oh my heart just aches for that family. I cannot imagine the pain those parents are going through. May God bless Jesse and his family.
Posted by: Matthew | August 25, 2006 at 04:40 PM