Perhaps you have heard of Brenden Foster by now, the eleven year old boy who died of Leukemia Friday. His story has been on the news, but if you missed it, here is the link to the You Tube video about Brenden. Listening to this young man, you can’t help but wonder how all that wisdom could fit in an eleven year old soul.
Brenden’s wish before he died was to feed the homeless. (Not a trip to Disneyworld or a request to meet a celebrity, he wanted to give). He saw his wish come true in the weeks before his death, as communities all over the US carried out food drives in his honor.
After watching Brenden’s story and listening to his words, THREE keep replaying loudly in my mind. When asked what he will miss the most about life, he answered -”Just having One”.
In honor of Brenden Foster’s short life, as we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, whatever each of our lives may hold–joys, challenges, great hardship— may we each think about Brenden’s words and feel the wonder of “just having” a life.
(–One more things to be grateful for in honor of Brenden. BEES!
At Brenden’s memorial, packets of seeds of wildflowers that attract bees will be passed out (at Brenden’s request) to help increase the bee population that is diminishing at an alarming rate. Giving to the homeless, the hungry, the bees…what a beautiful life.)
Happy Thanksgiving, with gratitude readers for your visits, your sharing and your support, Kerry
I hadn’t heard about Brenden before, so I thank you for telling about his wonderful spirit. This is just the post to read when we start to take life for granted.
I hope you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!
I just saw Brenden on the news today. It always amazes me how children have so much to teach us. I really need to remember the quote you shared here from him..when he answered the question…”just having one”. We are blessed to have a life, aren’t we. I think of that with the many friends I have lost since my early 20’s and our son who died 4 years ago when a virus attacked his heart. He was 25. Yes, we need to grateful we still have a life to be able to enjoy.
Thank you Kerry for reminding me and for sharing at my blog about your hubby and pumpkin bread making with your daughter too!
Renee
I too as touched when I read about Brendan the other day. Thanks for highlighting him, his good works and the important message of “just having one”. Some days we need to be reminded how lucky we are, when all we can see is the negative. God always uses his little angels to remind us what is really important. Let’s all try to keep remembering in honor of Brendan, and doing good for others as well.
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Thank you for introducing Brendan to us. May his goodness live on.