1/10 Four years ago today was Elijah's last day at school. He died two days later. His brain tumor was ravaging his body and stealing the last bit of life from him. He could barely eat, and had trouble breathing. But what I remember now, looking back, was how joyous he was.
2/10 He lived for 51 weeks after diagnosis with that brain tumor killing him inside out, stealing his bodily and motor functions one by one, but he was determined to suck as much joy out of life as he could, even when he could barely move, as in his last therapy session.
3/10 On his last day the class celebrated earth day (he didn't want to celebrate his birthday) and made little paper mache globes where they described their ideal world. Elijah made his with Miss Jennifer, his assistant. "In my world there would be no mosquitos," he wrote.
4/10 My time with him at school was special. I attended school with him every day he went. Went to lunch with him and on the playground. I have never seen a love like the love his friends had for him. They pushed him around and played games with him all recess. For 51 weeks.
5/10 They would play dodgeball and he would try and throw it but it would just dribble out of his hands. They would yell theatrically as if he had thrown it 100 mph. Or they would play tag and get close enough for him to touch them and scream in delight.
6/10 I learned so much about the love kids can have for each other when adults aren't around. Elijah's friends let me see them like I was one of them. They also joked with me, cried with me, and confessed their fears that Elijah was going to die. I love every one of them.
7/10 They were scared watching their friend, someone they love, waste away, and many knew he was about to die. But they never said anything to him. When they were with him they just tried to make him laugh. And they made his last days at school joyful. Just look at their faces.
8/10 Right before recess ended they all huddled around him and just put their hands on him and said they'd see him soon. His best friend Callum sat on his knees and held his hands and put his head in Elijah's lap. Its the tenderest thing I've ever seen kids do.
9/10 Saying goodbye to Elijah's friends that day was one of the hardest things I've ever done. The next day was his birthday, which he would spend with his best friend, but he had only days left, and I knew the rest would probably never see him again.
10/10 Its hard not to be sad looking at these pictures, 4 years later. I was torn apart every day by inconsolable grief. But I saw so much beauty, so much love, and friendship, and joy in those last days of his. Those kids taught me so much, and I'm still so grateful for them.
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