Saturday, October 25, 2008

My Hero







Today is October 25th, 2008. Three years ago today, my sweet little nephew, Curran Todd Pace was born to my sister Becca and her husband Todd. At three months of age, Curran was diagnosed with lukemia and spent the better part of the next seven months in the hospital, at which time he passed away quietly in the midst of his loving family.

Curran is my hero. I think of him every day. This little guy never spoke a word. He never offered sage advice, never uttered a comforting word to soothe a hurting heart, never told a joke to coerce a smile and never complained about his many discomforts.

I learned so much from a baby boy I only met a few times. I learned that the eyes are not only the window to the soul, but the porthole through which strength drawn from a Higher Power is passed on to those whom we love. I learned that comfort can come from the tender touch of a tiny hand that knows much of pain. I learned that a smile (and man, could this little guy smile!) can say so many things all at once that words can never capture, and that true happiness is found amidst the pain. And I learned that our lives touch the lives of others every day, in ways we will never, in this life, comprehend.

Curran, you touched my life. And your wonderful, beautiful saint of a mother is a constant model of dignity and compassion and I am so grateful she shared you with me through her words and her tears. We will never, never forget you, Curran, our "Smiling Hero" and Superman. I love you.

Every year we send our love to the skies; Kalli exlaimed emphatically today that you must get a lot of mail on your birthday! (Tanner's balloon escaped a little early :).
WE LOVE YOU!

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a little angel! Such a great reminder of what's really important! I'm sure he loved all his birthday mail:)!

Michelle said...

I love this post! It brought tears to my eyes. He is the cutest little thing. I have to admit I read and prayed so much for little Curran through his web site. I'll never forget him. I think of your wonderful sister and think she is such a strong woman having gone through losing a child. I really admire her! She doesn't know me but I do think of her family a lot. I can't believe it's been 3 years!

Laurie said...

What a tender, sweet thing to do. Your post touched my my heart tonight (unlike the laundry pile underneath it, which by the way I hate to tell you you lost!) but seriously, what a compliment from above to your sister and her husband because it's clear that anyone who is dealt those cards in life are truly chosen ones.

Kristen said...

Wow, what a great way to celebrate and remember your little nephew. We lost a little one as well in our family and I think we will adopt your tradition. You are such an amazing mom and example -- plus you are tons of fun!!! Miss you.

Thelma said...

Thank you for writing this nice post. Sometimes being reminded of things like this are just what we need to appreciate life even with all of the bumps. I love your writing.

Love Thelma

Anonymous said...

Mara, what a wonderful tribute to Curan. Such a precious little boy and what a cheery little face. Your words, as usual, were poetic and inspiring. What a wonderful way to celebrate his birthday with colorful balloons reaching the sky.

Heather M (SVSD) said...

It's hard to believe it's been 3 years, and what a sweet way to remember him:)
I'm wondering how Kate made herself look like an alien behind that balloon??? (or is that sean?)

Bailey Bunch said...

That is a really special post about your nephew and I think it is very neat that you guys pay tribute to him every year. Babies who are born with rare conditions and not healthy are true examples of miracles and love. Thanks for sharing!:)

Tami said...

What a sweet post and great idea to send off balloons.