In those darkest moments of isolation, my mind reaches out and seeks some inspiration. The inspiration that reinforces just how much I have to be grateful for.
My mind drifted back, drifted back to a time, so very long ago. Into our lives came a family with an amazing little boy. A clever little boy with a ready smile and a zest for life I've seldom seen. With a cheerful demeanour, he recited his very own poetry. Of being black and blue from where the needles went in. Of being a "human pincushion". This little boy, this inspirational and brave little boy, was suffering with the evil onslaught of leukaemia.
Then one day we got the news. This little boy who touched the hearts of all he met, had drifted off to sleep, never to awaken again. And I look beyond the sky, think of that little boy, thank that little boy, who cherished the wonders of life. The tears are streaming down my face. He was five years old.
"With a cheerful demeanour, he recited his very own poetry." What a lovely recollection. You know, what you write here reminds me of what Dylan Mattingly said about writing Atlas: that his hope was to send Earhart up into the sky, to become a constellation. You've given the same sort of beautiful remembrance for this little boy.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteTo be mentioned along with the inspiring Dylan Mattingly, is high praise, indeed.
And that wonderful little boy instilled such a powerful meaning to my life.
Thank you, Susan.
In kindness, Gary
How sad. I had to attend the burials of my grandma and one of my sister's cats this weekend, so it's been kind of a bummer of a "holiday."
ReplyDeleteMy condolences to you and your loved at such a sad, yet reflective time.
DeletePT, keep writing and keep embracing the magic of the written word.
With respect and good wishes, your way, Gary
I am so very sorry. Five years old is too too young.
ReplyDeleteI hope that you are alright. Please find some ting cheerful to do. I m sure that the little boy would want you to take care of yourself.
Dear Munir,
DeleteI'm fine, thank you. This was thoughts of wondrous celebration to a little boy, who in my times of sadness, brings me deeply profound inspiration.
A bitter sweet tale and yet a tale that teaches me to embrace all that is good in my life.
With respect and peaceful thoughts, your way, Gary
Hello Gary. I can really empathise with this sad story and it makes me realise how lucky we are to still have Sonny with us. He has just turned seven and is doing really well. The support from people such as yourself was amazing and so important for us.
ReplyDeleteClick here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi bazza,
DeleteMy dear friend, I knew that you would relate to this in a deeply profound and poignant way. I'm so pleased that put in the link to the archived update post regarding Sonny. I know all those who read your heartfelt stories about Sonny, were truly touched. And those who have Sonny in their lives are inspired by such a wonderful little boy.
Bless Sonny and bless you and your loved ones, my friend.
I know that somewhere, that little boy in my story, is smiling down upon us.
Dear Gary,
ReplyDeleteThis is very sad, my friend. A loss like that must be difficult to come to terms with, if indeed it is possible at all. I suppose that little boy still exists, in some way, in your fond remembrances of him, which you have articulated so well here.
Very Best Wishes,
David.
Dear David,
DeleteThis is very sad, yet the joy and the lessons that little boy brought into the lives of those he touched with his love of life, brings tears of sadness and tears of gratitude.
I dedicate this posting to the spirit of of a little boy who touched my heart.
With respect and kindness, your way, Gary
And in remembering him he is not gone. And from the little vignette you have given us he would like to be remembered for his smile and his zest. And please don't think that I am in any way minimising the loss his family and you felt and will continue to feel.
ReplyDeleteI do like the idea of a constellation (or even just a star) as a memorial.
Hugs from afar.
Hi The Elephant's Child,
DeleteAnd the beaming smile upon his face is burnt into my memory. A memory of reflection, of gratitude for a child who embraced all that is so precious in life.
He lives on in the hearts and minds of those who would be inspired.
And beyond that sky, beyond the moon, the planets, the stars, a little boy smiles.
Hugs to you, my friend.
Oh bless his little soul. :-( Oh I am so sorry!
ReplyDeleteTake care
x
Dear Old Kitty,
DeleteBless his little soul and bless you.
Thank you, my dear friend.
In kindness, Gary
x
Gary, how lovely of you to remember him, cherish the memories with this cameo. The star, moon, and planet alignment, this past weekend, was incredibly beautiful; a peaceful tribute. You're very kind. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Dixie,
DeleteAnd with thoughts of the alignment and this tribute to a little boy with an infectious smile and a joy for life, I thank you. May you look to the heavens and see that smile beyond the stars.
Warm wishes and peaceful thoughts, your way, Gary
It somehow seems wrong for a child to die. But is it the way of life. There is no promise to any one of us to live until we are old.
ReplyDeleteBut 5 years just doesn't seem to be enough years.
Hi Retired Knitter,
DeleteAnd despite this and the sadness of seeing someone pass away at such a tender age, the wisdom he bestowed, was a powerful gift that I do my best to cherish.
Thank you, my friend.
In peace, Gary
Far too young to die.
ReplyDeleteWe could all learn something from his attitude though. Sounds like he continued to let his light shine even in his darkness.
Hi Alex,
DeleteIndeed, his outlook on life and his radiant smile, lives on. Lives on in the light of positive possibilities that I try to hold so dear.
Thank you, Alex.
With respect and peaceful wishes, your way, Gary
As my Dad said, "As long as your name is spoken and the stories told, you will never die." In his short time on earth he touched people....he touched you....and in some small way your life was changed because you knew him. That's a big accomplishment for a small child.
ReplyDeleteHi Delores,
DeleteAnd memories live on, forever. The ideals, the inspirational impact he had on all those he knew, will never die. A little boy who accomplished more for the good, than many can do in a full lifetime.
Thank you, Delores.
Kind wishes, your way, Gary
Hi Gary,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your loss. What a beautiful tribute. I like the idea of looking to the bright lights in the sky to remember him.
Hi Rebecca,
DeleteIn a moment of sad isolation, I needed to find a source of inspiration. I looked to the sky and remembered that brave and remarkable little boy.
Thank you, Rebecca.
With kind wishes and peaceful thoughts, your way, Gary
It's the most painful feeling to witness the young and innocent suffer. For their life has just begun, and the pleasures of childhood have yet to be explored. I'm sorry for the loss of this little one who brought to your world so much joy so soon in his life ...
ReplyDeleteHi Jackie,
DeleteAnd despite it all, this little boy who knew his moments were to be savoured and cherished, brought wondrous gifts of wisdom, of childhood innocence. His life was tragically short, yet the joy he brought into my life and all the lives he touched, has taught lessons of looking for the positive in what may be perceived as negative.
I know I have much to be grateful for and thoughts of him were a poignant reminder.
Thank you, my friend.
In peace and respect, Gary
Blogger is messing up lately, so I'm not sure if the comment I just left is gone or delayed. I see yesterday's comment didn't show up. That's okay. I really didn't have anything new to add. Just wanted to say thank you for saying so much so eloquently.
ReplyDeleteDear Joylene,
DeleteThankfully, blogger allowed your comment to come through. I know all about these issues with it recently and it's getting very frustrating. I'm sorry yesterday's comment from your good self didn't show up.
I want to thank you for reading this heartfelt and poignant posting.
Much respect and kind wishes, your way, Gary
Oh, Gary! You would make me cry at the end of the day. Such a sweet sad story, and the night sky to tie it together.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan,
DeleteThrough the tears, we truly embrace the ideals of a little boy with a beaming smile. He's out there smiling brightly beyond the darkness of the night sky.
Peaceful thoughts, your way, Gary
I can think of few things better to be than a star. I can't imagine losing a dear child in my life. I hope I never do. I'm sorry you have.
ReplyDeletex
Hi Laura,
DeleteIt was a very sad time for all concerned. Yet that little boy, so many years later, still touches the hearts and minds of those who had the privilege to know him or even, sense him.
Thank you, Laura.
x
So sad, Gary - what a brave little soul that little boy was. My friend's nana used to say that when a child died, a new star appeared in the sky. Take care x
ReplyDeleteHi Teresa,
DeleteAh yes, when a child dies, when someone we love, dies, we look to sky and see another star.
Thank you, Teresa.
In kindness, Gary x
It's hard to understand, isn't it, why some live only a short while, while others live on...
ReplyDeletePearl
Hi Pearl,
DeleteIt is indeed. And some, in their tragically short lives, bring gifts of wisdom that inspire us all.
Thank you, Pearl.
Warm wishes, your way, Gary
it is a cruel life sometimes...
ReplyDeleteHi G,
DeleteIt sure can be. And yet through that cruelty, that little boy was here long enough to impact the lives of so many in such a positive way.
Take care, my friend.
Gary
It always strikes me how every life we come into contact with affects us in some way.
ReplyDeleteThat little boy touched your life as he must have touched so many other lives. As he's touching all the rest of us now in this post. Thank you for telling us of him, Gary. His memory lives on.
Jai
Hi Jai,
DeleteHow true. We all impact each others lives in one way or another. We share the positive affects of support and encouragement as 'electric friends' :)
This was truly my hope, that through the resonance of the words in my article, we could all embrace the memory and sense the positive magic of that wonderful little boy.
In peace, Gary
Oh my gosh, that is so very, very sad, Gary. I am so incredibly sorry. But your tribute is just about the most beautiful thing I've ever read. And as sad as this is, I am so glad that you have 5 years of cherished memories. It truly is better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all.
ReplyDeleteAnd I so understand you NOT doing the A to Z Challenge. I didn't really WANT to do it either, but I felt it was probably good for me if I did. Unfortunately, the first week, I was in Arizona visiting colleges with my son, and this second week, I've been neck deep in revisions for my publisher so I've had very little time to make the rounds and therefore make friends. Maybe next week I will have more time.
Anyway, I love it when you drop by and leave your wonderful comments. They are ever cherished and you are a very dear friend who always has a smile and a kind word, no matter the circumstances. I seriously love that about you! Take care and God bless!!
Hi Nancy,
DeleteWhen I wrote that article, I had to stop several times because the emotions and the tears, became too much. Yet, I rejoice in the memory of a little boy who embraced life and dazzled the world with a beaming smile.
The A to Z Challenge can be darned good writing exercise. That would be if you have the time to do it along with your other commitments. Considering how busy you are, I find it amazing you are attempting to pursue the venture. Of course, like last year, I shall do the occasional satirical posting on it. Along with the occasional serious one. The irony is, that via my alleged, 'anti-A to Z' postings, I've brought a bit more awareness of it.
Always a pleasure to visit and leave a comment on your superb site, Nancy. I'm sorry I don't frequent more often. Of course, I have to share my 'eagerly anticipated' comments around blogland :) Thank you for such a kind and heartfelt comment on my site. Much respect and admiration to you. Happy writing and much success to you.
In kindness, Gary
Heartbreaking post. I'll give my healthy little grandson an extra big hug when I see him tomorrow, in memory of what you have written.
ReplyDeleteIt's not always how long we live on earth that's important but how many hearts we touch.
Hi Mike,
DeleteHeartbreaking and yet inspirational gifts bestowed upon us by a brave little boy. Wow and I know that little boy would find much warmth in you giving your grandson an extra big hug. Bless you both.
Some can touch us more in a short time, than others could do in a normal lifetime.
Thank you, my friend.
With respect and kind wishes to you and your grandson, Gary
I am so sorry for your loss. Wonderful tribute to someone who sounds as though he had a beautiful soul.
ReplyDeleteHi The Golden Eagle,
DeleteThank you and indeed, his beautiful soul touched the hearts and minds of all he met. His legacy of inspiration can live on through this heartfelt tribute to a brave little boy.
In kindness and gratitude, your way, Gary
Too many beautiful souls we lose this way; this is a wonderful tribute x
ReplyDeleteHi Jaye,
ReplyDeleteLovely to see you here, my friend. I felt compelled to leave a heartfelt tribute to a wonderful young boy who bestowed gifts of inspiration to all who met him.
x