Cherish the Time
He was only 11 years old, but his heart, wisdom and story were those of a much older maturity. He managed to make his story as heart-warming as it was heart-wrenching. News that would have crumbled a grown man into fits of an understandable self-pity and hysteria, turned young Harry Moseley into a beacon for hope and an advocate for the increase in research and funds for that research. His story touched so many around the world, and people came from every walk of life to help him in his cause.
In 2007, Harry was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The prognosis was grim, the timeline was short, but his strength was not a reflection of that news. He carried on with his head held high, speaking to schools, creating and selling beaded bracelets, and wore a smile. His bravery was unmatched, his will was undying and his dream continues on.
I have been following Harry’s story for the better part of a year. I have held my breath in times of tension, and smiled when hope was at its highest. I wanted nothing more than to donate money to his cause, but for the fact that while one family was unfairly suffering, I was preparing to start my own family. With the idea that I would soon have a child of my own, my thoughts wandered from being with Harry and his family, to how that trial would be able to reflect upon my own life. Without meaning to, Harry taught me a very valuable lesson: to cherish what we have.
I am the proud parent of a beautiful boy, who lights up my life when it is at its dimmest. Whether the weather is gloomy, my mood is down, or my stress is up; one look at Nicholas, and I am instantly uplifted. I cherish my time with him. As he grows, and begins to walk and talk and potty-train, there will be messes and accidents. I will cherish my time with him. Further down the road, I will have to leave him in his first days at Kindergarten. I will cherish my time with him. He will come home from middle school with a crush, or with a bully. He will be upset, and near tears, ready and willing to be comforted by his mom and dad. I will cherish my time with him. His grades will rise and fall, as will his popularity. He will grow up, his voice will grow deep. He will claim his hatred for me when I don’t let him stay up late. He will get into trouble and require grounding, and he will make me so proud as I watch him in his show, or his sport. I will cherish my time with him.
I will remember how I felt when I saw the news that young Harry Moseley had passed, and how a mother and father had lost their son. A community lost a beacon, and a ray of sunshine. I will remember how that family, even though it was far too short, had Harry. They cherished their time with him.
So the next time your child comes home with a bad report card, a scraped knee, a beau you don’t approve of, or a detention slip. The next time your child comes home with a new friend, a trophy, a great report card, or a huge smile on his face. When you think you can no longer handle the stress that comes with having a child, the constant pride and worry that comes with it, think of Harry. Remember his story, and remember how precious your child is to you. Cherish the time you have.
Harry’s legacy lives on.
http://www.helpharryhelpothers.com/