Leland Shoemake liked to climb trees, play sports, and roll around in the dirt; just like any typical 6-year-old little boy, he was about as active as you can get. And even though his mother, Amber, worried about him, she always let him play and do what he loved.
Of all the things Amber worried about, however, she never dreamed that Leland would ever get sick from an amoeba.
It turns out that while playing just like any normal boy would, little Leland was attacked by an amoeba in the dirt called Balamuthia mandrillaris. While doctors couldn't determine when and where he came into contact with the disease, it typically enters the body through soil when it comes into contact with open cuts.
The disease causes an infection in the brain and flu-like symptoms. While Leland put up a huge fight, he tragically passed away. While his parents were grieving while going through some of his old things, they came across a touching letter addressed to them both.
They had no idea when Leland would have written it, but when you see it below, you'll easily understand what a horrible loss the whole world had when Leland left us all.
Read little Leland's beautiful note below. And please make sure to bandage any cuts you see on your small children or grandchildren!
Meet Leland Shoemake. He was your average 6-year-old boy who loved playing sports, running around, and being active. His life was pretty normal — until he caught a horrible disease.
After bravely fighting the infection for over three weeks, Leland ultimately succumbed to the deadly disease. His heartbroken parents were at a loss and didn't know how to make sense of why such an innocent little boy had to die. However, their strong fai
But it was while Leland's mom and dad were going through his things for the funeral that they found a handwritten note penned by the young boy. They had no idea when he would have written it, but they were heartbroken all over again when they read his comforting words.
After finding his special note, his mother felt compelled to write a heartbreaking eulogy for all the world to see.
Leland's beautiful story has spread throughout the country and even the world. When a family member who is serving overseas realized he couldn't attend Leland's funeral, he got some of his friends together to honor Leland in a way he surely would have lov
Click the NEXT page to see what the 7th Expeditionary Airborne Command did to honor little Leland!
These brave airmen flew a folded flag over Afghanistan to honor the memory of Leland.
"This flag was carried aboard an E-8C JSTARS aircraft during a combat over Afghanistan on 28-29 September 2015. This mission provided radar and attack support to multinational forces."
The whole community came together and offered their love and support in honor of Leland as well. While Leland may be gone, he will certainly never be forgotten.
His mother left one last message for the public: "We are so grateful and overwhelmed by the love and support of everyone. Leland was a true blessing. Our lives revolved around him day and night. Everything is still a blur and still doesn't seem like reali
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