Prepare to be moved to tears as you read this poignant tale. Leland Shoemake, a sweet six-year-old boy battling Balamuthia mandrillaris, left a touching message for his parents before departing this world on September 25th. Upon returning home without their beloved son, his parents discovered a special note that will forever hold a cherished place in their hearts. Get ready for an emotional journey that mirrors the tears shed for this precious boy.
While his mother busied herself organizing and preparing for the funeral in his room, it was Tim who stumbled upon the note. Placed in their living room, a spot where he often indulged in drawing and art, the discovery moved Tim to tears. Hastening towards his wife, he was eager to share the poignant message he had uncovered.
The note conveyed a simple yet profound message:
“Still with you. Thank you, mom and dad. Love, mom and dad.”
Amber said:
“To say I lost it was an understatement …We cried together for the longest time.”
Their little boy frequently wrote notes to them, and pictures too, but this one was really so much more special than any of the others, they decided to frame it and have it on the wall in the living room.
In a Facebook post, Mom fondly shared that Leland was an intelligent and incredibly curious young boy. Amber expressed:
“He mastered his ABCs, numbers, colors, shapes, and learned 20 sight words by the age of one. He was our little nerd, and we adored that about him. His enthusiasm for school and love for learning were undeniable. Whether it was the history channel, the weather channel, documentaries, or anything related to history, he had an insatiable hunger for knowledge.”
Beyond his intelligence, Leland was a remarkably sociable young boy. He took joy in conversing with his parents and others. Anyone who crossed paths with him acknowledged his delightful and kind personality. His affable nature even led his parents to forge new friendships.
He was an incredibly endearing child, taken from us far too soon, before he could fully blossom!
The note he left behind is simply exquisite, a sentiment that everyone should experience. Words fall short in capturing the profound meaning it holds for any parent finding such a treasure in these challenging circumstances.
Amber spoke fondly of Leland:
“He was our little nerd, and we cherished that about him. His love for school and eagerness to learn were infectious.”
“He was fascinated by the history channel, the weather channel, documentaries, and anything related to history.”
“He had a deep interest in ships like the Titanic and delving into topics like WWII. He was simply perfect. ‘Jaws’ was his favorite movie.”
“Steven Spielberg was his favorite director, and Adam Sandler, his preferred actor.”
“His love for his brother and family knew no bounds. He was the life of every party, and his smile could illuminate an entire city.”
“He was the brightest, most compassionate, and loving little boy there ever was.”
This little boy will be sadly missed by all that knew him, his parents especially and we send our love and prayers to him!
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