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It is every parent’s nightmare—a child full of laughter, curiosity, and love is suddenly struck down by an invisible enemy, leaving behind only memories and the echo of what might have been.
The story of six-year-old Leland Shoemake from Williamson, Georgia, is not only a chilling reminder of how fragile life can be but also a testament to the enduring bond between parents and their children—a bond so powerful that even death cannot sever it.
When tragedy struck the Shoemake family, it was not only a devastating medical event but also a moment that would touch the hearts of thousands across the globe and serve as an enduring lesson about love, memory, and the unpredictability of fate.
Leland Shoemake was no ordinary little boy. From the very beginning, his mother Amber describes him as a force of nature—a premature baby who arrived in the world screaming, healthy, and with a spirit that could brighten even the gloomiest room.
He was a quick learner, mastering his ABCs, numbers, shapes, colors, and even sight words before his first birthday. His fascination with history, documentaries, and iconic movies set him apart, turning him into what his family affectionately called their “little nerd.”
With a personality that filled any room and a smile that could light up a city, Leland was the center of gravity for his family and a beacon of joy for those around him.
He was the life of every gathering, loved his family deeply, and had the remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went.
But in 2015, fate intervened in the cruelest way imaginable. What began as an ordinary week soon spiraled into a medical crisis that would forever change the Shoemake family.
Leland suddenly became ill—his parents noticed severe headaches, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and frighteningly, his eyes began to cross, unable to focus.
Medical professionals at first suspected meningitis, but the real culprit was far more rare and sinister: an infection in his brain caused by the amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris. The disease, which attacks the brain and spinal cord, is extremely rare but almost always fatal.
Doctors were left baffled as to how Leland had contracted the bacteria, though it was speculated that he might have come into contact with it while doing what he loved most—playing outside in the dirt.
For Amber Shoemake, the cruelest irony was that the very thing her son loved most became the vector for the illness that would take him from her.
On her Facebook page, she wrote with raw honesty, “The one thing he loved most was playing in the dirt. I never imagined that would be the thing that would take him from me.”
Those words, echoed across social media, capture the sense of helplessness and disbelief that so often accompanies the most senseless tragedies.
Leland’s family fought hard alongside him, clinging to hope as he battled the infection with unimaginable courage. But on September 25, 2015, Leland’s fight came to an end, and the world lost a bright and beautiful soul.
The pain of losing a child is something no parent should ever have to experience. For Amber and her husband Tim, returning home from the hospital after saying their final goodbyes was almost unbearable.
Yet, in the midst of their unfathomable grief, they discovered something extraordinary—an object sitting on the living room table that would bring both tears and comfort. Leland, known for his habit of leaving little notes and drawings around the house, had left behind one last message for his parents.
In a child’s handwriting, the note read: “Stil (sic) with you… Thank you mom and dad… Love.” Next to the message, he drew a red heart with the words “mom, dad and love” inscribed inside.
For the Shoemake family, this note was nothing less than a miracle—a final gift from a child who seemed to understand the depth of his parents’ love and the pain they would soon face.
It was a message that transcended the boundaries of life and death, a sign that, somehow, Leland was still with them, watching over his family and reassuring them in their darkest hour.
The note became a symbol of hope and a bittersweet reminder that even in the face of loss, love endures.
Amber Shoemake’s words, shared publicly in the aftermath of Leland’s death, capture the profound devastation and the struggle to make sense of a loss that defies understanding.
She spoke of the long road she and Tim traveled to bring Leland into the world, the pride she felt in his achievements, and the joy he brought to their lives. She remembered his favorite movies, his love for learning, and his unquenchable curiosity. Above all, she remembered the love he shared with everyone around him.
“We will love you forever, Leland. Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite,” she wrote, a mother’s voice echoing with sorrow and love.
The outpouring of support for the Shoemake family in the wake of their loss was overwhelming. Strangers and friends alike reached out to offer condolences, share memories, and honor Leland’s legacy. The story of his note traveled far and wide, inspiring others to cherish their loved ones and never take a single day for granted.
The Leland Shoemake Foundation was created to keep his memory alive, ensuring that his story would continue to touch lives and remind people of the importance of compassion and connection.
As the family continues to navigate the aftermath of their loss, the memory of Leland remains a powerful force. In their pain, they have found purpose—sharing his story in hopes that it will remind others to value each moment, to love deeply, and to find strength even in the most challenging circumstances.
The Shoemakes have turned their grief into a message of resilience, refusing to let tragedy define them or diminish the light that Leland brought into the world.
The story of Leland Shoemake is a lesson for all of us—a reminder that life is fragile, that loss can come without warning, and that love is the only thing that truly endures.
As we read his mother’s words and imagine the heartache of finding that final note, we are compelled to hold our own loved ones a little closer, to appreciate the small moments, and to remember that even in the darkest times, a glimmer of hope remains.
Leland’s legacy is not just one of tragedy, but of a love so fierce that it bridges the gap between this world and the next.
No parent should ever have to bury their child, yet the Shoemake family’s experience resonates far beyond the boundaries of their home in Georgia. Their story is one of unimaginable pain, but also of hope, connection, and the power of a child’s love to comfort and heal even after they are gone.
The note Leland left behind stands as a timeless testament to the enduring bond between parent and child—a bond that, as this family has shown the world, not even death can break.
He was the light of their lives, the heart of their family, and the echo of his laughter still lingers in the halls of their home.
Leland Shoemake may be gone, but through his note and the memories he created, his spirit will never be forgotten. Cherish every day, love without reservation, and never underestimate the power of a simple message left behind.
