Monday, October 13, 2008

RIP Owen Yee, 2004 - 2008

It's been a happy-sad week for me. Happy because I had a wonderful visit with my sister and brother-in-law. My sister is so amazing... soft and even-tempered to my dramatic shenanigans. And my bro-i-l (ha - BROIL -- love it) who ate all my cooking without complaint. That was a big job for him, believe me!!
It was difficult to say goodbye yesterday, so I avoided the airport scene and sent them off with my hubby.

Sad week as well as we bade farewell to little Owen Yee, who succumed to cancer at age four. It's been such a difficult journey for Owen's family, from the diagnosis a year and a half ago, a year of treatment, which they initially thought was successful, until the supposed final MRI this past May showed that the damn tumor came back. Poor child went through three brain surgeries, aggressive chemo, bone marrow transplant and radiation, but in the end, the horrible disease won.

I just returned home from the funeral and my hands are still shaking. My heart aches for his parents -- loosing their baby is surely worse than death itself.
For myself, looking at the small little box at the front of the church and knowing that my own four year old was at home watching Toopy and Binoo ... I was indescribably torn.

When I got home, my son, so astute for his age, wrapped is warm little arms around me and said "Did you say goodbye to Owen for me, Mommy?"

Tonight, as we sit down for our Thanksgiving meal, I know exactly what I'll be giving thanks for... For having the privilege of knowing a cheerful child whose soul will live on in those whom he touched.

10 comments:

J.K. Coi said...

That's so sad, Wylie. It doesn't matter that I don't know the family, my thoughts are with them in this time of grief and I'm very sorry. It's always undescribably terrible when a child is lost. I am also very thankful for my family this weekend.

Amy Ruttan said...

That's so sad. I'm so sorry for them, Wylie. I remember your posts, and keeping him in my prayers.

I can't even begin to imagine. I'm crying here.

Leah Braemel said...

Oh my. I remember you blogging about Owen before. Cancer is tough at any age, but with kids - it's the worst.

*Hugs* to you and Sweetness too (Or is your four year old Light? I can't remember.) Oh, heck, Hug 'em both for me.

Thomma Lyn said...

Oh, no. My heart goes out to Owen's family. How unspeakably heartbreaking. ((((((hugs)))))))

Jennifer McKenzie said...

Oh I'm so sorry for that family. YOu're a wonderful person, Wylie.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry, Wylie. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.

Julia Phillips Smith said...

It must have been hard to take that journey along with Owen's family, Wylie. ((hugs)) from here.

Unknown said...

Oh hon! HUGS!! I can't imagine what the parents are going through. My heart goes out to them.

Anonymous said...

HUGS that is sad about the little boy. I'll say a couple of prays for everyone. I hope your family had a good thanksgiving anyways in light of the events. Glad to hear the family visit was a good one.

Wylie Kinson said...

Thanks so much for your comments.