Some stories break your heart — and this one will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it.
Leland Shoemake was a bright, happy 6-year-old boy from Williamson, Georgia. He loved school, documentaries, history, and his family more than anything. His mom, Amber, often called him “our little nerd,” and she meant it with love — Leland could read sight words at just one year old and was fascinated by everything from the Titanic to WWII.
But in September 2015, everything changed.
🦠A Sudden Illness
Leland came down with what seemed like a bad illness — fever, headaches, vomiting, dizziness. At first, doctors thought it might be meningitis. But eventually, they discovered something far more serious: a rare brain infection caused by an amoeba called Balamuthia mandrillaris.
No one knows exactly how he got it. But his mom believes it might’ve come from his favorite thing — playing outside in the dirt.
“I never imagined that would be the thing that would take him from me,” Amber shared in a heartbreaking post.
🕊️ Saying Goodbye
Leland fought hard, but on September 25, 2015, he passed away. His parents, Amber and Tim, were crushed. After saying goodbye at the hospital, they returned home, shattered with grief.
That’s when they found something on the living room table — something that would take their breath away.
It was a note. One final message from Leland.
✍️ “Still With You…”
Scrawled in Leland’s handwriting were the words:
“Stil (sic) with you… Thank you mom and dad… Love.”
He drew a red heart with the words “mom,” “dad,” and “love” inside it.
His parents had no idea when he wrote it. But it felt like he had left it just for them — a parting gift filled with love.
“He was always a special child,” Amber said. And he truly was.
🧠The Boy Who Loved To Learn
Leland wasn’t your typical 6-year-old. He loved the History Channel, documentaries, and his favorite movie was Jaws. He quoted lines like:
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“You’re gonna need a bigger boat.”
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“Check ya later!” from Dazed and Confused.
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And he could recite quotes from Billy Madison like a pro.
He adored Adam Sandler and Steven Spielberg. His smile could light up a room. And he never met a stranger — everyone was his friend.
💬 A Mother’s Grief, A Son’s Legacy
“He made me a mother,” Amber wrote. “He was the light of our lives. I count the days until I can see his sweet face again.”
Burying a child is a pain no parent should ever face. But even through unimaginable grief, the Shoemake family wants to keep Leland’s story alive — to make sure he’s never forgotten.
🌟 Remembering Leland
Leland’s note — those few simple words — brought his parents comfort in the darkest moment of their lives. It’s a reminder of how deep a child’s love runs… and how precious every day with our loved ones truly is.
So hug your kids. Laugh with them. Play in the dirt if they want to. And cherish the little things. Because sometimes, those are the moments that last forever.
Sophia Reynolds is a dedicated journalist and a key contributor to Storyoftheday24.com. With a passion for uncovering compelling stories, Sophia Reynolds delivers insightful, well-researched news across various categories. Known for breaking down complex topics into engaging and accessible content, Sophia Reynolds has built a reputation for accuracy and reliability. With years of experience in the media industry, Sophia Reynolds remains committed to providing readers with timely and trustworthy news, making them a respected voice in modern journalism.
