I believe with all experiences, whether good or bad, we have the opportunity to learn from them.
 David's sickness and eventual death was such an opportunity.  I definitely, did not need this experience to prove how much I love David, nor did I need it to show, how special he is, for that matter, I could have definitely forgone the experience totally.
 Instead, I believe, it was a lesson, on what a difference one can make.  David did not have a University degree.  He did not win numerous awards.  However, David in his short life touched many peoples live.  He touched people's lives by his gentleness, his selfless love and concern for others and his genuine ability to enjoy life through difficult circumstances.
 Like the song "Only a Boy Named David", David may not have been conquering Goliath; he was conquering a thing called life.  This he did with a quiet dignity and strength.
 In life, we read books, attend seminars, and watch television documentaries, all with the goal of becoming happier better people.  David accomplished this like a saint.
 Sometimes, when one experiences the death of a loved one, thoughts turn to, where was God?  I know God did not "make David sick". 
 While David was in the hospital, there was a special sign.  As mentioned before David had a fond love of birds and nature in general.  My interest was sparked, when some birds started building a nest on David's air conditioner.
 It was interesting, the type of bird - not a swallow, robin or blackbird, instead it was a pair of mourning doves.  When the eggs hatched, the nurses put birth announcements in the window by the nest.  While the doves were there, we would keep David informed of daily happenings of the doves.
 To me, the doves were a sign from God, saying, I am with you - and I'm crying with you.  After David died; a friend gave me an ornament.  It was a little boy angel with blond hair, he is kneeling; in one hand and one on the ground, are two doves.  She was not aware of the birds building a nest in David's window.
 This in no way takes away from the excruciating pain one feels when a loved one dies.  As the poem says, my mom has a broken heart that time will never heal.  Lost are the dreams of the future, watching school pageants, the joy of all the characteristics that made David special.  Gone, is witnessing David's inner beauty, his exuberant smile, his joyous laugh.  I will miss watching David grow and develop - into a man, where would David have completed his education?  Would he have gotten married?  How many children would he have had?
 To all the people who have been a positive part of David's life - I thank you.  Teachers, support staff, family, friends, school friends, Doctors, hospital staff and the gang at work, all who gathered around David and his family, you are a credit to your professions, demonstrating hard work, thoughtfulness and dedication.  Like the circle of friends candle with David in the center, everyone worked together, surrounding David with love, support and care.  True to David's character of caring of others, he will be looking down upon us with his great big smile, saying, "Thanks guys, you were awesome"!  While David's physical being is no longer with us, David's spiritual light will live on, in all the lives that he has touched

I have been blessed with three beautiful boys, David with his wisdom and gentleness; Brendan with his vigor and spontaneity; Brady with his warmth and caring.
 I pray that all people who have experienced,  the death of a child - I pray that God gives them strength to face each day.  I pray the warmth and light from above, filtrates your soul and being, turning despair and sadness into a sense of peace and understanding.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.  He has kept his promises and earned his sleep.

Rest well my son.  I love you David!

Mom