Our best twelve years started off with a special birthday surprise,
We had her name picked out and lots of pink clothing, waiting for that sweet baby girl to arrive;

But GOD knew who we needed, and gave us the most precious, amazing boy;
We were in love from the moment we met him, and our hearts were overfilled with joy!

That’s how it all started, though we may not have realized it then;
Our best twelve years, from the very beginning, were held in the palm of GOD’s hand.

Our best twelve years consisted of little red wrestling shoes,
A golden singlet, blue head gear, and a best effort put forward, win or lose;

A love for sports just like Daddy, a huge Pittsburg Steelers fan, a football and baseball player out on the field, while we cheered him on from the stands.

Our best twelve years were filled with taking trips to see friends and family,
Listening to him name the buildings we’d pass, while peering through the window from the back seat;

“There’s the sucker house,” he’d call out- toward the bank, as we’d pass by,
Or, “there’s the beer house,” pointing to the liquor store, nearing the destination on our drive.

Our best twelve years were bloated with appointments, tests, and diagnosis,
Hospitals, treatments, illness and tears, a lot of, “Be Brave. We’re gonna get through this.”

Prayers for healing and hope for tomorrows, communities rising to show support,
Team Alec days, Make-A-Wish, and heavy hearts pleading with the Lord.

Our best twelve years were witness to a cancer-free boy of 5 years,
A battle we thought we’d finally won, celebrations and happy tears.

Living in the moment, soaking it all in, watching our boys together, so proud,
Taking nothing for granted,
Family trips and making memories, and giving thanks to the Lord aloud.

Our best twelve years found us battling again, the news hit like never before;
Just when we thought those days were behind us, we found ourselves in anguish once more;

But even in the days of struggle, our boy found courage to fight,
He became the one, assuring us through his actions, that everything was going to be alright.

Our best twelve years were blessed with a boy who taught us so much-
Stand up for what you believe, treat everyone with kindness, and fight harder when the going gets tough;

A best friend forever to his Papa, a rock crawling enthusiast team,
A son, big brother, grandson, and friend to all, peacefully gained his Heavenly wings.

That’s how it all ended, though we know it’s not really the end;
Our best twelve years, throughout his short life, were held in the palm of GOD’s hand.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, Alec! (11/13/19)

~carla reams
11/8/2019