Today (Jan. 7) is my deceased son's birthday. He would have been 12.

He was an inspiration to many, but probably none more than me. When I grow up <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" /> I want to be like him.

Perhaps I can pass some of this inspiration along to you who feel like your world is collapsing.

This too shall pass and you can thrive again.

I am doing very well and I am not requesting sympathy because I AM thriving. It didn't happen overnight, but things do get better - and they will for you, as well. Take my word for it.

Today I reflect on my son's short life and how I benefitted from it. I miss him badly, but he is always with me. He shows up daily in my appreciation of family and friends, my mountainous appreciation for my other son, and my learned perspective about what things are really important in life - but most importantly in the strength that now lies within me. I think I can weather any storm.

Hopefully, none of you will have a challenge like this, but your current challenge can be as difficult. Rise up above it. You can.

WAT --

Thank you for reminding us that what we have in this life is so very precious and irreplaceable.

Thank you for all the help you give to so many on this board.

Thank you for who and what you are. A large part of that is your son's gift to you and that's a wonderful legacy. His meaning and purpose and value lives on each day through you and your kindness and sensitivity. You are right; he is always with you.

My thoughts are with you today...

Ammon

Dear WAT

Thank you for your post. Your strength and courage is an inspiration. I am sorry that you did not have your son for longer in your life - he sounds like he was a truly special young man.

Wishing you a peaceful day from London.

Lisa

Wat

Your strength and inspiration underlies all of your saged advice. Rejoice and take care.

<small>[ January 07, 2003, 08:08 AM: Message edited by: skewdone ]</small>

WAT,

WOW. You really brought tears to my eyes with your post. I feel the strength resonating from your words and it's heartening to see how you've taken such a tragedy and made it into a blessing.

Your son was a gift, and you have benefitted in knowing him for as long as you were able to. You were very lucky because you were able to appreciate the value of him as a human being and now you have the value of him as a spiritual guide to help you through. Some parents never appreciate their kids that way.

You are blessed. We are blessed for having your input into our lives.

Thank YOu.

WAT, I too have tears.

Today might have been one of those blue days but I resolve to not think about my problems today, because of your post.

Thinking of you today...
DB

Yes,
and some of the rest of us want to be like WAT.

I hope someday you learn just how many you have helped here, and get proper credit for it. I believe you will.

Thanks for all your kind words, all your great support, all the love you extend.

SS

Dear WAT,
I just wanted to say I am sorry for your loss and acknowledge the anniversary of your son's death.
I love that expression-"this too shall pass..."-it is one that my Mother has always used to me and gives me great strength. Because, although the death of a child leaves a wound on your heart that can never heal, it is in the human spirit to want to climb higher. I also believe that" what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger" and am firmly clinging to that thought.
Thankyou WAT for your wise words to me.

Deluded

WAT,
Thanks for sharing.

I look at my children, who are my treasure, and I don't want to imagine the pain of loss.

You're a strong man and thank you for staying here to encourage others.

WAT,
My prayers and thoughts are with you on this very tough day.....
Your strength and wisdom has helped so many people over the years.....I pray for your peace and serenity.

Thanks WAT.

WAT .... you're holy man! What a wonderful reminder.

My son has been in psych hospitals 6 admissions. During one of those really awful times I was so fed up with the entire ordeal I was throwing myself a major pity party. Later ...I went to work, and by chance, one of my patients was a boy the same age as my son, brought in by his mother for a "sinus infection". The kid was pasty ... I had him open his mouth and his oral mucosa was grey not pink. My heart dropped. I ordered labs ... confirmed life threatening anemia ... highly suspicious for acute leukemia. I got in touch with a pediatric oncology (she's an ACE) ... and the boy is currently doing well. BUT.... that day, I realized that my pity party was over. My kid was ill, and a royal pain in the [censored] ... but he was alive. And where there's life, there's hope.

WAT ... Ilove ya!

Pep

Amen. And God bless you, Dave.

I was going to post a reply, but suddenly no words that I could say seem appropriate. I'll just go with this:

Thank you.

MTD

What K said.

Glad to see you persevere through what no one should have to, Dave.

YOu have been my hero for along time.

WAT

The world could use a lot more people like you. To go through what you've gone through and to thrive and help others in crisis is very inspirational. You've helped me very much. Thanks.

Dave.

He is smiling down at you...
...with every thought of him you have.

God Bless.

Jim/NSR

Dave,

You are such an awesome man and I am sure both of your boys are just the same.

Dawn <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="images/icons/smile.gif" />

WAT,

You have gone thru something that I can't at this point imagine. I have a 12 year old son & feel immeasurably more greatful right now. The Lord has used you in mighty ways on these boards and no doubt with the people that you meet in your "real" life.

May God Bless and keep you,

D.