Friday, October 17, 2008

Today, not Tomorrow

In the days of the World Wide Internet, there are millions and millions of places we can visit. Being an avid scrapbooker, I belong to a few online scrapbook communities. It is a place to learn techniques, chat, learn about yourself as well as others. You sometimes become very good friends with these cyber acquaintences, sometimes not. But when something tragic happens in the online community, the outpour of love and support is overwhelming - sometimes unbelievable. This week, I saw it happen firsthand.

A fellow scrapper experienced a tragedy this week that no parent should ever have to endure.
Her young son, all of 5 years old woke up sick, throwing up and dizzy. His mom knew something was wrong and took him to critical care. It was found that her young son had a 4cm tumor on his brain stem. He made it thru the surgery, but sadly did not wake up from the coma. He was declared brain dead and was pronounced yesterday with his family at his side. I cannot fathom what this family is going thru.

He was five years old. Only five.
His name was Danny.
Jonah is five years old, same age as Danny.

When I found out, I went upstairs to Jonah's room and lied in his bed with him while he slept. I wrapped my arms around him, caressed his sweet face and watched every breath he took.

My heart breaks for this family that I have never met. I only know Donnann thru the online community and admiring her works of art. Still, I hurt for my cyber friend and her family.

Our little community on the web will be releasing a red balloon in the air from their hometowns at the start of Danny's service. There will be balloons floating all over the world for Danny. He loved the color red because Speed McQueen of Cars was his favorite.
And there will absolutely be a red balloon floating thru the sky in Ajax Canada.

The messages of love, support for Donnann are never ending. Blogs bearing Danny's picture, Status messages reflecting the condolences, people contributing to a fund set up in Danny's name. The outpour from all over the world - amazing to me. I hope that this brings Donnann and her family some kind of comfort. They are in my thoughts.

Remember, appreciate life today, not tomorrow. Love today, not tomorrow. Laugh today, not tomorrow. Do everything today, not tomorrow.

Today, not tomorrow.......

5 comments:

CloverGirl said...

All I've been able to think of is Donnann and her family. I simply can't imagine the pain and suffering they're going through. I pray I never have to. I also pray that God will give them the courage to go on and the peace to heal and remember what a joy Danny was.

This is just absolutely tragic. :(

Sheila said...

Tears are pouring down my face after reading this. I too have a 5 year old and would be lost without him. It's just too young and a parent should never have to go through that. My prayers are with her and her family.

Melita said...

We'll be sending up 4 balloons here in Melbourne, Australia. Our eldest is five too and my heart is breaking for Donnann :(
My kids have been getting an awful lot more hugs of late - I think they're getting over it! I'm certainly not though

Becky said...

What a tragic thing for anyone to go through. My thoughts are with all that have to endure the pain of his passing. Tears are falling here.

Christy said...

Thanks Char- what a sad, sad day. I can't begin to imagine what this must be like. I am so glad that you spent the day in your jammies with your kids. :)