A grieving mother discovered the sincere note her 6 years old son left for her and her husband, after he passed away from a brain infection.
Leland Shoemake lost his battle with an amoeba infection on September 25, 2015, after a month of treatment. Amber, his mother, revealed how she came across the note on the Prayers for Leland Facebook page.
“I had no idea it would take him from me. He was my universe. He made me a mother.” She began in part.
“From the start, he was smart. By the time he was one year old, he knew his abcs, numbers, colors, shapes, and 20 sight words. We adored the fact that he was our little nerd. He adored school and learning. He adored documentaries, the weather channel, the history channel, and everything about history.”
She also talked about the boy’s favorite director, actor, and movie.
“He enjoyed learning about things like World War II and ships like the Titanic. He was flawless. His #1 film was Jaws. Her number one chief was Steven Spielberg. Adam Sandler was also his favorite actor. He was so in love with his family and brother. He was everyone’s party to go. A city could be lit up by his smile. He was the most intelligent, tender, and loving child ever.”
In the words of a tender mother, he was the family’s glue.
She spoke ” He was the center of this family and the light of our lives. I am counting the days until I can see his sweet face and hear that beautiful voice again.”
She wrote, “This is the note we found from him on the table in the living room when Tim and I came home for the first time to get him clothes to be buried in.” Amber carried on, promising not to “let the bed bugs bite” and wishing her child well.
“You can tell he was always a special kid, but we have no idea when he wrote it. Leland, you have our undying love. Don’t let the bugs bother you at night!”
According to WSB-TV, it is unclear how Leland contracted the deadly amoeba. After a month of illness, he went to the hospital two weeks ago.
His parents set up a GoFundMe account to raise funds for the hospital expenses. The family also managed to raise more than $15,000 despite their initial goal of $10,000. We are incredibly appreciative and in awe of everyone’s love and support. After Leland’s death, his parents wrote on the GoFundMe page, “Leland was a true blessing.”
“He was the center of our day and night life. It still doesn’t feel right and is still unclear. Let’s get it done. I appreciate everything. We also adore you all.”
In addition, the Shoemake family established a scholarship that is awarded “each year to one Pike County High School student in honor of Leland Shoemake, who was six years old.”