Atticus

Nick, Tristan and I have been doing a little project.  Every week we make a card with a letter of the alphabet and some pictures, sometimes telling a story or giving ideas for an activity.

We send them to Sunnyvale Texas, to a little boy with an inoperable brain tumor.  His name is Atticus, and he is four years old.

When my sister sent me the email telling about Atticus and his family, it was meant to recruit as many people as possible to send postcards and other things in the mail.  Atticus loves getting mail, and it was one of the things he could still do and get excited about before they started treatment.  I had the idea to send him a card every week from Tristan, and together, they could learn the letters of the alphabet.  I was always worried that he might not make it to Z, but there was always the hope that a miracle would extend his time with his family.

This week is M.  M is for mother, and I don't think it could have been timed more perfectly with Mother's Day this Sunday.

Nick and I have been following their blog diligently, reading every post and looking at every picture.  We are happy when Atticus is doing well, and sad when he is feeling sick or having problems.  I have cried many times reading his mom's posts, my heart just aching for them.  I can't imagine their pain and suffering, watching their little boy hurt in this way.

I was reading their updates tonight, and looking at the pictures of sweet little Atticus.  After rigorous treatments, he is starting to have symptoms again, and they are not sure what to do.  They are always more concerned about his wellbeing, making sure he is comfortable and happy as long as possible.  I commend their courage, they are such an amazing example to me of strength and faith.  I hope one day, I can show Tristan the letters we sent and tell him all about brave Atticus, and he can learn from his example as well.

If you have a minute, have a look at their blog http://echansen.blogspot.com/.  If you want, maybe you can send Atticus a nice card as well.  Getting things in the mail is always so exciting for him.  He's only four years old, but what a giant of a man he will always be in my mind.  Keep Fighting Atticus.  We are rooting for you.  We are praying for you.