Another day of the bitter sweet memory of a special little boy who never had a chance to grow up; HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRADY!  Three years ago, our miracle child was born at 5:03pm.  A beautiful, healthy baby arrived into this world with the help of a dad having his 22 year old vasectomy reversed, a mom who has experienced 2 previous miscarriages and who battles juvenile epilepsy and with a little help of the IVF clinic our wonderful boy was born.  From his first day we knew in our hearts Brady was special.  We knew he was going to be the captain of his high school football team, the class president and of course an honor student on his way to Princeton University.  We like all parents had dreams of outrageous expectations and pride. 

The first year of Brady’s life began to validate some of our (my) outlandish goals.  Brady at 4 months started swimming lessons at the Y and it wasn’t too long before he was jumping off the edge of the pool into his dad’s prideful arms.  Before he was a year old he learned when his parents said the letters; “W. A. L. K:” his response became “shoes”.  Not only did Brady tell us he wanted his shoes on but he would also tell us which shoes he wanted to wear.

Yes, surely our Brady was on his way to Yale, Harvard, a law degree, a run at the Governors’ office and then on the Presidency.  After all, this was our son and his world had no limits.  August 21, 2009 we had a small birthday party, (just family and friends) gathered to celebrate Brady’s first birthday and like today it rained.  As I was barbequing (in the rain) my baby was banging his little hands at the patio door and didn’t stop until he was in his back pack on my shoulders barbequing with his da-da in the rain.  Little did we ever think this would be the only birthday Brady would ever get to celebrate.  On October 12, 2009 Brady was diagnosed with leukemia and on July 30, 2010 he passed away.

How does one ever put into words the vast array of emotions that stream through our hearts on a continuous, never-ending basis?  The other day we received a birthday card from the Embrace Kids Foundation; at first I was a bit upset thinking this was rather an insensitive gesture, then I read the card;

“There are some

who bring a light

so great to this

world that even

after they are

gone the light

remains”.

            -Anon

That’s what I believe our son Brady has created, a light to illuminate the world to the horrors of pediatric cancer.  A beacon to show the world the need to value the gift of life because it can be ever, ever so short.  Today, as I sit here missing Brady as much as ever, my pride for what his life has created is paramount and far exceeds any acceptance letter to an Ivy League College.  Hug the children you love, pray for the ones in need and wish Brady a Happy Birthday!