When I first met Zachary he was 2 years old (I was 42 years old), he was bald (so was I), he had a port in his chest for chemo (so did I). He was climbing around on the brightly colored gear in the waiting room of the Jimmy Fund Clinic. I had just come from a radiation session in the basement of the Dana Farber building. We both had our hospital bracelets on. Zachary was fighting acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). He apparently had a very resistant strain. I was fighting Stage IIB invasive breast cancer. My friend Linda, who accompanies me on many of my trips to Dana Farber is good friends with Zachary's parents and has known them since before Zachary was born. So we stopped in to see Zachary and his Mom.
The second time I met Zachary he was 5 years old and he and his Mom were basically living on Dana 6. He was getting lots of chemo to take his counts to as low as you can get them in preparation for a bone marrow transplant. He was bald (I was not), his little body was bruised (mine was not). I was receiving some meds for treatment of Stage IV breast cancer that had shown up in one vertebra so I did have my hospital bracelet on again.
Zachary had an amazing presence considering what his body was going through. He had a smile that lit up the room, even the tiny hospital room he and his Mom were living in (her with a bed in the window sill). He had lots of energy and was happy to show me and Linda how he could zoom through the halls on his push car, going surprisingly fast, much to the dismay of the nurses who feared he would injure his fragile body. He took me down the hall to show me the play room full of many brightly colored toys, books, a video game and much more. For these few minutes his Mom was able to talk with Linda and take a breath, but it was only for a few minutes.
I will not have the chance to meet Zachary again, at least not on earth. Last week, at the tender age of 6, after battling ALL for 4 years, Zachary died. His family is heartbroken. His Mom, Dad and little brother have a huge hole in their life.
I feel lucky to have know Zachary in the small way that I did. My life will forever be touched by his. He reminds me that each day is a gift. I try to honor his life and his family's loss by treasuring and showing gratitude for my life and my loved ones.
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Let's pray he and Zoe Anyan find each other and dance, as lovely angels do, together above us.
ReplyDeleteoh debbie. oh.
ReplyDeletemy heart goes out to you and everybody who little zachary touched. sending love.
I'm so sorry, my dear Debbie. I hope all of you who met him can find comfort in each other and in the memories you shared with him xxx
ReplyDeleteTears...so sad. What a tremendous impact this sweet boy had on so many people. And now, by sharing his story, you've given him the opportunity to touch even more.
ReplyDeleteMichelle
Oh my dear, I have tears rolling down my cheeks reading this post - you capture the spirit of this little boy so beautifully.He is at peace now, but oh his poor family, I am holding them in my heart and prayers at this dreadfully sad time.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for reading and sending love and prayers to Zachary and his family. That is what I am doing too...
ReplyDeleteDebbie, so, so sorry for the loss of that little boy. Heartbreaking. Thank you for writing about Zachary and reminding us again how truly fragile life is and to appreciate each day and our loved ones.
ReplyDeleteDeb,
ReplyDeleteLoss is everywhere, isn't it? Everyone who was touched by this sweet child are mourning, those lost to cancer each day, the tragedy in Japan, the drug wars and religious wars, and I'm still mourning James. So many prayers being offered up to God. The best we can do is love those around us and take nothing for granted. Even so, when loss comes, it is devastating. I will pray for Zachary's parents and for you, sweet lady.
Brenda
Thank you to Stacey and Brenda for reading and commenting. Brenda, I was thinking of you last week as another devastating loss happened for a family in our town.A father in our town died as result of a ski accident the day after Zachary died. The man has a wife and 2 young children. I imagine Zachary and this man, who left behind a 6 year old son, caring for each other in heaven.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, Thank you for sharing about your special young friend who taught others so much in his short life. What a precious soul. I'm glad you met him, even though now it hurts because you did. Hold onto the joy he brought your way.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to a special little boy. Kudos to you for looking beyond the loss at how to make a difference. So glad you shared Zachary with us.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with Zachary's family. He sounded like such a special little guy. I'm so sorry to hear about this.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your young friend Debbie :( words are just not enough. I just can't imagine losing a child. My heart goes out to his parents and family. Such a sweet soul and such a short time on this earth.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this and extending Zachary's circle, Debbie. A childhood friend of mine passed away recently, leaving a wife and two young children. My heart aches for the families that have to keep moving through such intense pain. Zachary's family is in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIt is so sad and difficult to see/know children with cancer. You are right - honour his life by celebrating living yours, each and every day. I came across your blog and I enjoy it immensely and will be following. Thank you for sharing your story!
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