If you've been reading Whiskey Bar for awhile, you may remember my post about a girl I called Lilly, who showed me the true meaning of courage at my son's elementary school graduation last month.
This morning I learned that Lilly died Friday of respiratory failure. Her family was with her until the very end. She was in no pain. She was 11 years old.
Lilly was, by far, the bravest person I've ever met -- or am ever likely to meet. I did not know her well, but I will never forget the lesson she taught me.
Beautiful story. I wish that everyone could stop and read this story, and the millions of others just like it, to try and get a grasp on what is really important in this world. Let's not get too caught up in the world of the bullsh*t of politics and the evil and hatred in this world or what the hell jlo is doing this week, because it DOES NOT matter.
Ironic, I just read that Bob Hope passed away, and thought who cares? Lilly is the true picture of a hero.
Rest in peace, Lilly. You will surely be missed.
...hugs all around.
--ventura county, ca
A beautiful post, so sensitive and caring; thanks for sharing.
A tragedy to have a brave little girl taken from us.
Death is always a tragedy, but it is also one that all living humanity has to face.
I heard that there is an African folk story about the stars in heaven being the souls of the departed. The newest brightest stars were the recently departed who were in the personal memory of still-living people. The distant stars were the ancestors who were no longer in the memory of the living.
I hope that her parents can find her bright new star.
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Thanks a lot for making me cry at work, Billmon. I hope Lilly's parents and sister can find peace and comfort.
when i was in elementary school, my godsister and friend died of a brain tumor, much like Lilly. it's always so tragic to lose an innocent mind. very touching story, and I agree that THAT is true courage. I wish the best for her family in this troubled time. Thanks for sharing Billmon.
Great, very well-written tribute to Lilly's courage you wrote, Billmon, and thanks for allowing us to share in her story, in even such a small way.
I have tears in my eyes. Thanks for touching us so deeply with Lilly's courage.
One more Angel...........
Condolences to you and Lilly's family. Our thoughts are with you all. I'll hug my own two girls extra tight tonight.
My son recently lost a playmate at his daycare to a rare physical disability. He was such a sweet boy. Lilly's story reminds me of him.
I often contemplate, sice my son is disabled himself (he's autistic), why it is that sick or disabled children are put here on this planet. And it's a schmatlzy thing to say, but I think that if there is a higher purpose to life in general, these children are given to us as a society to teach us -- love, bravery, compassion, patience; valiance and determination in the face of odds that seem unsurmountable to even the most optimistic of people -- they bless us and instruct us all with their lives, however long or short, and they are all heroes.
My condolences to you and your family, and Lilly's as well.
the cowardice of the living to live fully is exposed by the young who love the fleeting dream of day to day. the flowers come up every spring. go lilly go.
Browsing the internet at 2 in the morning, never did I expect to find something that would leave me sobbing.. God, it's not fair. A futile and pathetic thing to say, I know, but it's not fair. This little girl, she didn't deserve this.
I only hope she has found peace.
crying for lilly, and i have an 11-year-old son, thankfully healthy. i know the loss of a child; my heart goes out to lilly's family.
as sad as it is there are unnumbered heroes like lilly inspiring the people who come into contact with them with their courage and "spunk." there is even one who has his own blog:massive head wound cory.
not a hint of fear or self-pity and his prognosis is scary at best...i'm hoping if the whole blogging world sends some healing energy to cory it will balance the odds against him, so he will live long enough not only to see his first child born this coming december, but long enough to hold his grandchildren.
crying for lilly, and i have an 11-year-old son, thankfully healthy. i know the loss of a child; my heart goes out to lilly's family.
as sad as it is there are unnumbered heroes like lilly inspiring the people who come into contact with them with their courage and "spunk." there is even one who has his own blog:massive head wound cory.
not a hint of fear or self-pity and his prognosis is scary at best...i'm hoping if the whole blogging world sends some healing energy to cory it will balance the odds against him, so he will live long enough not only to see his first child born this coming december, but long enough to hold his grandchildren.
No fair making grown men tear up at work, Billmon. Stories like this had far less effect on me before I had a child of my own. Now, they break my heart. Parents should never have to watch their children die; it just isn't right. Even having years to prepare for it doesn't make it any easier.
As for Lilly, I'm often amazed how the smallest and quietest among us can have such enormous impacts.