Grieving parents find 'goodbye' letter after their son died
A six-year-old US boy who suffered from a rare brain infection left a heartbreaking note for his parents to find after his death.
Leland Shoemake from Georgia fell ill with a rare but fatal infection a month ago and passed away last week.
Doctor's couldn't figure out what was wrong with the young boy and had to undergo many tests and take multiple medications.
His symptoms soon worsened and he suffered from severe headaches, fevers, vomiting and diarrhea.
The brave little boy was being treated at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta hospital where his parents, Amber and Tim Shoemake stayed by his side.
After Leland died the Shoemake's came home and, to their surprise, found a letter on their living room table from Leland which read: "Stil (sic) with you... Thank you mom and dad... Love.'
He also drew a red heart that contained three words: "mum, dad and love."
Amber had created a community Facebook page named 'Prayers for Leland' and posted a photo of the note to the website.
"When Tim and I came home for the first time to get him clothes to be buried in, this is the note we found from him on the table in the living room.
"We have no idea when he wrote it but you can tell he was always a special child.
"We will love you forever Leland. Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite!"
The infection was caused by amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris which is a disease contracted through dirt and has affected only 200 people since 1986.
The grieving mother posted to Facebook that her son loved playing in the dirt and never imagined it would be the thing that would take his life.
Ms Shoemake added: "No one should ever have to bury a child. I always said I hope it's me that goes first (because) I don't think I'm strong enough to handle something like this."
The family set up a GoFundMe page before Leland died and will use the money to pay for his funeral expenses.
Morning news break - October 1
