The Poignant Tale of Leland Shoemake: A Young Life Cut Short
Leland Shoemake’s Legacy
Losing a child is an agonizing reality that some parents unfortunately have to face due to tragic accidents, illness, or disease. One such heartrending story is of Leland Shoemake, a 6-year-old from Williamson, Georgia. His radiant happiness, intellectual prowess, and creative spirit left an undeniable impression on everyone around him.
“By the time he was a year old, he knew his ABCs, numbers, colors, shapes, and 20 sight words. He was our little nerd and we adored that about him. He loved school, learning, the history channel, the weather channel, documentaries, and anything historical,” shared his mother, Amber Shoemake, on social media.
A Life-Altering Diagnosis
Under different circumstances, we might never have heard of Leland. However, destiny had different plans. In 2015, Leland suddenly fell ill and was swiftly admitted to the hospital. His condition rapidly worsened, and doctors diagnosed him with a brain infection caused by the amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris. How Leland contracted the bacteria remains unknown, but it’s possible he came into contact with it while playing outdoors, his favorite pastime.
“The one thing he loved most was playing in the dirt,” Mrs. Shoemake wrote on Facebook, adding: “I never imagined that would be the thing that would take him from me.”
The Fight for Life
Initially, medical professionals were baffled by Leland’s condition, suspecting meningitis. However, further investigations confirmed that he was suffering from an amoebic infection in his brain.
“He had bad headaches, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and now his eyes are crossed and he can’t focus on anything without his eyes moving and seeing double,” wrote his mother on the family’s GoFundMe page.
Despite Leland’s valiant fight for survival, he tragically passed away on September 25, 2015.
A Heartwarming Message Left Behind
Upon returning home from the hospital after their final goodbye to their beloved son, Leland’s parents found a note in their living room. Known for his charming habit of leaving notes and drawings, Leland had left one last heartfelt message: ‘Still with you… Thank you mom and dad… Love.’ He also drew a red heart encompassing three words: mom, dad, and love.
This note, undoubtedly, brought profound comfort and solace to the grieving parents. It served as a poignant reminder of their shared love and connection, a beacon of light amid their heartbreaking loss.
“We have no idea when he wrote it but you can tell he was always a special child,” his mother said.
Remembering Leland
The Leland Shoemake Foundation shared Amber’s emotional account of her son’s life and love for learning. Despite her protectiveness, she couldn’t save him from his fate. But she cherishes his memory, recalling his love for movies, his favourite director Steven Spielberg, and actor Adam Sandler, and his glowing smile that “could light up a city.”
Amber wrote, “He was the light of our life and the center of this family. I count the days until I can see his sweet face again and hear that beautiful voice.”
A Life Cut Short, But Never Forgotten
The pain of burying one’s child is immeasurable. Yet, it’s our hope that by sharing Leland’s story, he will continue to be remembered.
Let’s honor this incredible young boy’s memory and let it serve as a potent reminder to cherish each day of our lives, as circumstances can change without warning.