We celebrated my son’s 11th birthday on Thursday, August 14. His brother Andrew, his friend Damien and I met him at Six Flags amusement park. The four of us had fun honoring James’ special day by riding roller coasters, eating ice cream and cooling off on the water rides.
At the end of the day, we all went our separate ways. Damien and James returned to their respective homes and Andrew and I to our house. After a quick dinner, Andrew, my husband Frank and I wrote birthday greetings to James, stuffed them into helium balloons and released them outside. As they floated farther and farther upward into the clouds, we thought about all our memories of past birthdays and other celebrations.
Helium balloons are the most effective mail delivery system for us now. For the third year in a row, this is how we send James’ birthday greetings to him in his new home. You see, James now lives in Heaven.
When he was eight years old, he came home from school with a fever caused by a virus. The virus settled in his liver and his immune system was apparently unable to battle it effectively. Six weeks later, he was sitting at the top of the national transplant list, waiting for a new liver. Unfortunately, the wait was longer than the time he had available. He died shortly after his surgery. There are no words to describe the grief a parent feels after losing a much-loved child.
Still think a good immune system is something to take for granted? Try living without one.
In James’ memory, I have dedicated my life to educating parents about the importance of nutrition and health. Good nutrition is more than just a good idea. It could save your life.
For our readers who are parents, please think about James when you tuck your children into bed tonight. Hug them tightly and promise you will learn all you can about keeping them healthy and safe. This blog is one resource you can use.
God bless you and yours,
Michele
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