Dear Chris, Thank you.

A little boy, just seven years old has taught me much.
 
I received news this Thursday that a little boy, Chris, who had been fighting a fierce battle with Neuroblastoma for over two years, slipped away and left this world. I do not mean he is completely gone, because I believe everyone we love lives within us. I feel the memories we carry, the moments we shared and the lessons we learned from each other, are a living memory we carry on.
When I found out Chris was ill, and with time, his battle became more intense, I found myself struggling with anger and the need for answers. As I sent this question out to the Universe, over and over, I eventually heard my answer. And this is what it said;

We started as souls, spirits or angels, whichever word you choose. And we saw our life spread out before us. The hard times and the good, the sickness and the celebrations. We saw the people we would love or hate. We saw missed opportunities, failed relationships, trauma and pure joy. And then we chose, very intentionally, our life. We knew, before we arrived, the impact we would have on others, the people we would meet directly, and those who were affected by the work we did. We knew how it would all end, but we chose anyway. Each life has a purpose, a message, an intention. When we hold onto the anger, we are blinded and can’t see the gift that life has given us.
This is the only belief that gives me peace, and takes me away from hopelessness and hate when I see any life suffering. This belief was confirmed when Chris’ mother wrote about the same belief. That her son, from the beginning, knew to live each moment with such intensity because he only had four years before being diagnosed.
Chris has also given me great perspective. Many times, over the last 2 years I have felt my life was at its worst, but then I would hear his mom’s stories about his incredible strength and his hope and I would realize my life is good. If a child is called upon to send us a message, I would not take it for granted for let his suffering be in vain, I would count my blessings and live a life as he once did…..fierce intensity, careless curiosity, and pure joy.
I ask you to listen for the messages others’ lives have sent you, to not take yours for granted, and to live with fierce joy and love.
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“people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn and we are led to those who help us most to grow if we let them and we help them in return” Glinda, The Good Witch of The South