A child died today.
A funny little boy with an abundance of freckles and a unique way of pronouncing his r’s. A boy with an infectious smile and a love of Poke’mon and video games. He was a son, brother, friend, loved by many, missed by all.
World, you have no idea what you’ve missed out on! No concept of what you’ve lost. He left behind unlived dreams, unfulfilled potential. He leaves the memory of laughter, a history of strength, and the legacy of a warrior.
In 9 years he fought harder, endured more, withstood things a child should never know. He never remembered a life without cancer, he spent the last 5 years battling it. Today that disease won over his body. It couldn’t take it anymore. It had no more to give and today he left that body behind.
He left behind the disease, the pain, the suffering. For that we have to be thankful, he is beyond the weaknesses of a physical body.
He left behind parents who will never forget the feel of his hugs, and will always ache for those arms to wrap around her neck again.
He left behind sisters who will listen for his voice, whose lives will always be emptier for missing it.
He left behind a world that is far less for him not being a part of it anymore.
I pray for the peace and comfort of his family and the friends that have to face the days ahead without him. I pray for those who will mourn him and grieve for the existence of this disease that robs families of their children and children of their lives. I pray that Heaven’s gates opened this morning and welcomed him into eternal joy.
Tonight I’ll be holding my children tighter, hoping that no one ever has to write these words about us. I’ll hug my daughter and beg God to let the cancer stay out of her body.
I’ll cry. I’ll fear. I’ll hurt.
I’ll know it’s nothing compared to the pain that his family is going through.
Whatever your religion, your belief, please take a moment and pray for this courageous boy and his family.
Jimmy Reichert
on Jul 23rd, 2008 at 6:12 pm
I Hate Cancer!! I hate that so many precious children get to heaven before they even had a chance to live life free of sickness. I too will hold my children tighter tonight and thank God that they are with me. I will pray for Jimmy’s family and all the families who’s children are taken from them much too early. How is it possible that my heart hurts so much for a family that I’ve never even met? ((Hugs))
Shelley
on Jul 23rd, 2008 at 7:03 pm
It’s so unfair. So unfair that children have to go through this, that ANYONE has to deal with cancer. I’m so sorry for the ache you feel. I’ve encountered the loss of children a lot in the last year, and it never leaves you. You’ll never forget him, though. Never ever.
heathers last blog post..In The Face of Fear, True Beauty
on Jul 23rd, 2008 at 8:12 pm
I join you in prayer for the comfort and peace that only God can give will cover Jimmy’s family and all who knew and loved him!
I have prayed for so many of these kids who are now gone….but I have also prayed for so many who are surviving this beast! I do not try to understand it…..but all I know to do is pray and put it all in God’s hands!
But it still always hurts so much when one leaves us!
Evon
on Jul 23rd, 2008 at 8:45 pm
A child died today
July 23rd, 2008 · 3 Comments
A child died today.
A funny little boy with an abundance of freckles and a unique way of pronouncing his r’s. A boy with an infectious smile and a love of Poke’mon and video games. He was a son, brother, friend, loved by many, missed by all.
World, you have no idea what you’ve missed out on! No concept of what you’ve lost. He left behind unlived dreams, unfulfilled potential. He leaves the memory of laughter, a history of strength, and the legacy of a warrior.
In 9 years he fought harder, endured more, withstood things a child should never know. He never remembered a life without cancer, he spent the last 5 years battling it. Today that disease won over his body. It couldn’t take it anymore. It had no more to give and today he left that body behind.
He left behind the disease, the pain, the suffering. For that we have to be thankful, he is beyond the weaknesses of a physical body.
He left behind parents who will never forget the feel of his hugs, and will always ache for those arms to wrap around her neck again.
He left behind sisters who will listen for his voice, whose lives will always be emptier for missing it.
He left behind a world that is far less for him not being a part of it anymore.
I pray for the peace and comfort of his family and the friends that have to face the days ahead without him. I pray for those who will mourn him and grieve for the existence of this disease that robs families of their children and children of their lives. I pray that Heaven’s gates opened this morning and welcomed him into eternal joy.
Tonight I’ll be holding my children tighter, hoping that no one ever has to write these words about us. I’ll hug my daughter and beg God to let the cancer stay out of her body.
I’ll cry. I’ll fear. I’ll hurt.
I’ll know it’s nothing compared to the pain that his family is going through.
Whatever your religion, your belief, please take a moment and pray for this courageous boy and his family.
Anissa, this is one of the best things you’ve written (and you know I love your writing!). You really made Jimmy come alive for those of us who didn’t know him personally. Christy has one great friend in you. My small circle of “friends who have kids with cancer” continues to widen and I am in awe of all of you. You inspire us and help us to really stop and smell the roses (and the poopy diapers).
on Jul 23rd, 2008 at 11:12 pm
I’m so sorry. What a loving tribute. I will pray for his family. I know their pain too well. Next week is the one year anniversary of my nephew’s death. Cancer claimed him at the age of six.
slackermommys last blog post..Magic Marker Monday
on Jul 24th, 2008 at 1:05 am
Anissa,
I was devastated (again) when I read Jimmy’s CB page this afternoon. It scares me too and I’m on that outer circle so I can only imagine what it does to you being right in there. It sucks. There’s no other way to put it. It just sucks.
Love you guys!
J
Jennifers last blog post..Happy Birthday Nana!…
on Jul 24th, 2008 at 7:16 am
This breaks my heart. I am so very sorry.
on Jul 24th, 2008 at 9:11 am
My heart just breaks over this! I am so sorry!
on Jul 24th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
This is so sad and unfair.
on Jul 24th, 2008 at 3:35 pm
I am so sorry. I am so sorry for his family and friends and will send up prayers for strength and comfort.
And I can’t imagine how this is affecting you.
No more children taken away. Please God. No more.
Jozet at Halushkis last blog post..Hello Derfwads!
on Jul 24th, 2008 at 3:36 pm
(Ack… I wanted to diable comment luv for that comment. Please forgive me.)
on Jul 24th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
oh, little man. sweet little man. your parents, siblings –
my deepest sympathies.
on Jul 24th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
I am so sorry. This is incredibly sad and my thoughts go out to the family and friends.
on Jul 24th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
That was such a moving post. It brought tears to my eyes and made me want to hug my kids closer. Thanks for introducing me to Jimmy. It was nice to meet him.
heartache heartburns last blog post..Pat
on Jul 24th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Life is so unfair. I will NEVER understand CANCER. My heart goes out to his parents. God Bless them. My heart breaks for them. My prayers and thoughts are with them.
What a beautiful tribute.
It puts it all in perspective doesn’t it.
on Jul 24th, 2008 at 5:41 pm
Anissa and family,
Words fail. I’ve visited your blog before, and gone to Peyton’s care page. I have to delurk to send out my heart for your loss. I will light a candle and watch for his wings.
on Jul 24th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
Oh that is beautifully written and so sad. I saw a link to you on socal and had just put your business card in a pile with others from BlogHer to look through later.
on Jul 25th, 2008 at 3:40 am
Anissa,
Sometimes words just fail me. Thank goodness that doesn’t happen to you. You write so eloquently and you’re a great advocate for all families having to deal with this beast called cancer.
Like everyone else, I am so very sad for Jimmy’s family. For a long time now I have been blanket covering all these children in prayer. But through you, Jimmy was one of the kids I had a name and a face to along, of course, with many others. Please send my love to Jimmy’s Mum and sisters and tell them I’m praying for their comfort right now.
Take care my friend. I know this isn’t easy on you or the children either.
on Jul 25th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
Anissa,
I actually found your website a few month’s ago while visiting Jimmy’s page. What a wonderful tribute. I can see his smile and hear his “r’s” as I read this. Jimmy’s sister Lindsey was one of my students this year and I have come to respect and admire this family greatly. I know all to well the impact of childhood cancer on a family, and I am in awe of how strong this family has been and how loving they are to one another.
I continue to pray everyday for their healing, as well as for the wellness of your daughter and the a many other children battling this thing called cancer.
on Jul 26th, 2008 at 12:42 am
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on Jul 26th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
I couldn’t comment on this a couple days ago. I still can’t. This post ruined me.
on Jul 28th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Just heart breaking. Sending thoughts, prayers and hugs.
A beautiful tribute. For all of us moms, you wrote what we feel when we think of our precious little children.
on Jul 28th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
I feel so deeply for his family, the ones he left behind. It’s so sad that these things happen to children.
I’ve learned that cancer is a pain in the a** for adults. That nowadays the prognosis is generally better than decades before. But when it strikes a child, it no longer is a pain in the a**.
That is when I, too, fear it.
Gins last blog post..Uh, okay. If you say so!!
on Jul 29th, 2008 at 1:15 am
It is too painful to even imagine. It makes my stomach turn and panic start to rise… I can’t bear to think about it.
Susan (5 Minutes for Mom)s last blog post..Why Comment?
on Jul 29th, 2008 at 8:58 am
I cannot imagine the heartbreak of losing a child. It makes me feel sick to my stomach even thinking about it…
Delane (bits and pieces)s last blog post..Blog book?
on Nov 21st, 2008 at 7:30 am
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on Mar 20th, 2009 at 9:28 am
This post is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your words. I lost my brother to AML when we were both children. Your words ring so true.
Olivia Nunezs last blog post..Believing in Magic. For Ylaria
on May 4th, 2010 at 7:57 pm
Oh I am so sorry for that horrible experience that you and your young and innocent son had to go through…..I can’t even imagine what losing a child like that could be like. My mother died of colon cancer in 2006, at age 39, and it was so very difficult for eveyone….I understand your pain. But always stay strong…I will pray for your son and your family….I am so sorry again. Death is a horrible thing. I have hope for you and your family……..
on Jun 15th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
This story makes Mom’s pause and think oh God I’ll prayer for that family and then they turn around and thank God that it’s not there kid. You are allowed to do that until it touches you, your family or your dear friends. Until you know what it’s like to sleep fully clothed with your shoes on because at a moments notice you may have to jump out of bed and rush your kid to the ER whose lung is completely filled with fluids and he can’t breathe from chemo. Until you know the ugly side of cancer you can simply think “thank God it’s not my kid”. Cancer’s the most ugly, awful thing I’ve ever witnessed. Cancer of a child is unbearable. Good luck and yes praying for both Jimmy and you!