Posted on Oct 1, 2015
CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
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Leland Shoemake, who was being treated at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta after contracting Balamuthia mandrillaris in his brain, left a note for his parents that read, “Still with you. Thank you mom and dad.”
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2015/09/30/georgia-first-grader-who-died-from-brain-infection-left-goodbye-note-for/?intcmp=hpffo&intcmp=obnetwork
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Responses: 7
1SG Civil Affairs Specialist
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I wonder if I am a good enough daddy that if (God forbid) anything were to happen to one of my children, they would take the time to thank me as one of their last acts.
I sure hope so.
Godspeed, Leland. You sound like a heck of a kid.
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CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
9 y
Truly a testament to Leland's parents!
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SSgt Investigative Analyst
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Hi, Chief Carrillo.
He knew what was happening, and had the forethought to think of his parents first. That took guts.

Go with honor, Leland.
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CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
9 y
Great kid, great parents...
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SSG Warren Swan
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It's a shame it takes children like Leland to show us how petty we are in our daily lives with the things we care about. I hope this kid gives his sickness the double Mathis knife hands and kicks it's ass. Get well soon kid. You're the real hero.
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CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
9 y
Sadly, Leland crossed the veil but he left us better off through his kind and thoughtful note of thanks to his parents, to remind us of what truly matters--appreciative love.
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SSG Warren Swan
SSG Warren Swan
9 y
CPO Andy Carrillo, MS - Well I'm glad his suffering is done. He's in much better hands now. My heart goes to his parents....this damn dreaded feeling sensation again. But at least this Hero lives forever with other hero's. Chief nothing personal, but I can't up vote you this time. I feel that liking what you said would mean I like that he died, and I don't. I owe you one.
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CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
CPO Andy Carrillo, MS
9 y
No worries, SSG Swan. I don't like that he died either, and it seems that in our most desperate times is when our true nature can emerge. In his too short life Leland gave us a wonderful example of living in gratitude and appreciation. Thank you, Leland!
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