Death of Sam's friend

[AnneM]

Some of you will remember when Sam's friend Chris was diagnosed with leukaemia (18 months ago) and was in hospital for many months and then went on to have chemotherapy etc.... He had been booked to go on holiday with us last year but had to cancel when he got ill...

Very, very sadly Chris gave up his long battle yesterday ... The funeral is this coming week (not sure what day yet)... Sam will of course be going and I also plan to be there as I too have known Chris for some years.

He was 18 years old .. he lived in our neighbourhood and he was quite frankly one of the nicest kids I know ...

[SKay]

I do remember your talking about him and what a shock his illness was--how sad this is! My heart goes out to Chris's family and friends, especially Sam.

and prayers

[Linda]

:'(Oh Anne I am so sorry to hear this....It just is not fair for someone so young to die Give Sam a big big hug from me....if he will let you

[Amsmom]

oh annie and sam, i am so, so sorry to hear of chris' death. how is sam taking this, annie? it is surreal to lose a friend at such a young age. i, too, lost a friend to leukemia at age 18. it doesnt seem fair.

[tridlette]

for Sam, and for his Mum who will help him through this difficult time.

Sam is a strong young man, and he was a good friend to Chris through good times and bad, and he needs to remember and smile about the great times together.

It never goes away, but the memories will bring smiles across Sam's face many times in the years to come.

I think of my old roommate at odd times, and she makes me laugh now, even 15 yrs later. Chris will do the same.

[AnneM]

Thankyou for your replies !! Oh Trid I know you are right ... Chris will be "happy memories" for Sam for all his life ...

Sam is "ok" ... very sad and shocked ... but this has sadly been "on the cards" for a long time for Chris and particularly recently when he was deteriorating so much ... but then again even when it has been expected for some time it still doesn't stop the shock and sadness for everyone when it actually happens does it!

Sam is also not the "only" friend by any means affected by this ... and Chris and Sam shared a lot of friends ... all of whom are rallying together now in their shared sadness ... which I think is helpful for all of them. I know there will be a LOT of young people at the crematorium this week !

[finnmom]

Anne

My heart goes out to you and your family, expecially Sam. It´s so sad to see a young life end, even if after a long painfull fight. I´am so sorry for your loss

[Sorka]

Give Sam a hug from me too! It's important to remember the good things The good times the good qualities. Perhaps also that group of friends can take some action and get together something to support a leukemia research society or something in memory of Chris! Taking action of that sort always tends to help others and those who mourn the lost.
So think on it!
Denise

[sportsmom]

Anne, I am so sorry to hear about this. to you and Sam during this difficult time. It is hard to lose a young life but all things happen for a reason. I will say special prayers for this young man's family.

[Linda]

I will never understand why kids have to suffer There is not one of us as parents who wouldn't take their childs pain I guess it is NOT for us to understand!!

[AnneM]

THANKYOU SO MUCH !!

The funeral is on Thursday at 3.00 p.m.

Chris had a girlfriend L who remained stoically by his side right through the battle of the last 18 months .... she is a lovely, lovely girl and also is a very good friend of Sams ... she was in the same year at school as Sam... L has asked Sam specifically that he and two other specific friends be "with her" on Thursday ... (along with her own parents of course) ... but she has asked that the three of them be "with her" ... I have no doubts in the three she has asked to do this ... they will show themselves to be the right people at that time ... I know they will !! ... I have told Sam that L will need a lot of support and some big brotherly hugs ... as he feels appropriate at the time ...

I remember (not so long ago) Chris and L standing in our kitchen talking to dh and I about everything that was going on medically with Chris ... L had really "listened" to the doctors and done her own research ... she really, really understood what was happening and was explaining it to us in great detail... Chris himself was laughing and saying "I don't understand it all myself but L will explain it!!"

Sam also tells me that L was with him when he died !!

Speaking for Sam personally for a minute .... he cried today ... I had been worried because he hadn't cried yet ... but today the tears came ... I said "Sam - it is only natural that you are crying ... you have lost a friend" and he said "Mum ... he wasn't JUST a friend .. he was a very very very good and CLOSE friend!" ... (I know!! I know!! )

He then wiped his eyes and said "Anyway I have to be strong for L on Thursday because if I am feeling like this just imagine what SHE is going through!"

Denise the idea of them putting towards something positive in aid of leukaemia research is such a good one !! .. The request for the funeral is that instead of flowers donations be given to the leukaemia specialist unit at Guys Hospital in London who treated Chris ... I am going to actively encourage Sam and his friends to not just make a donation on Thursday but to continue striving towards giving this vital unit donations ... However, I think L will make SURE they do!!

[Linda]

Anne...you have such a lovely sensitive son....some girl is going to be very lucky to "land him"

[SKay]

Sounds like a GREAT bunch of kids. It wouldn't surprise me if L ended up in the medical field because of this. She seems to have such a quest for knowledge (and ability to learn) and a caring heart.

[finnmom]

I´am sure Sam and those 2 other´s will be there for her, she´ll need their support. She sound´s like a very nice and lovely person

[vickilyn32]

and ++++++++++++PRAYERS+++++++++++ to all of Chris's friends and family. What wonderful kids you all have.