Day +828: Heavy Hearts

Today is day +828 for Max and although he continues to do well, the Meyer house has been filled with heavy hearts this week. Our dear friend, Tony Merk, went to be with Jesus on Monday evening after a 2 year and 8 month battle against brain and spine cancer. He was just 6 years old.
 

I sat at the pool watching my three precious children swim on Wednesday, surrounded by healthy, young children and I couldn't help but think about Tony and his family. As I sat there, I felt like I lived in two different worlds - one where children and families are healthy and happy and another where they are not. Over the past 2 1/2 + years of Max's journey, we have seen so much heartbreak through the loss of so many children - Andrew, Matthew, Ethan, Kenna, Natalie, Jerrod, Troy. It is so sad and so unfair. There is not one positive thing about losing a child.

We have also seen multiple miracles through Max's journey, including his very own. Kids that have been healed and restored to good health from the brink of death. It's difficult to understand why some children, like Max, receive this blessing while others do not. I have thought about that often and decided just to be grateful for Max's health at this moment.

Later today, Matt, Max and I will head to Tony's visitation and tomorrow morning, his funeral. As I'm sure you can imagine, these will be extremely difficult experiences but, we wouldn't miss them for the world. We love the Merks and loved Tony and want to be there for them during this tough time. Max has been very impacted by Tony's passing and very much wants to be a part of celebrating his life and supporting his family. I am proud of him for doing this and know he is learning valuable life lessons by being there.

Our hearts are filled with sorrow for Tony's parents, our dear friends, Lynne and Rick and for their sons Alex, Ben and Max. Life without Tony physically here on earth will be difficult for all of them. They are an amazing family and are doing their best to embrace this new journey that lies ahead. We know they have a hole in their hearts and will forever ache for their son but that they are comforted knowing that he is looking down from above with Jesus and forever with them in spirit.

For Tony and for all of the children that we have known and lost to cancer and other blood diseases over the past 2 1/2 + years, we are going to honor them by treasuring every moment of our lives together. After all, that is the greatest lesson that we have learned throughout this journey - live in the moment and treasure it. Life is a gift and good health is a blessing. Don't forget it.

Peace and love,

Kristi (and Matt, Max, Alex, Ellee and Spud)