Wendy Rhodes
This little kiddo stole my heart with his very first hug, but it took me introducing him to chocolate pudding before he finally decided I was going to be worth his time. We may live in a complicated world, but his was much more simple. Happiness for him meant hugs from his favorite people and, of course, his favorite cartoons. My presence had meant cartoon time was over for a bit, which just might be why it took chocolate to eventually win him over.
I wanted so much more for him.
Working with him for just a short time a few days a week warmed my heart... I will always treasure the privilege granted to me in being a part of his life.
I was so looking forward to this upcoming school year with him.
But back to Jimmy Let me tell you, as a teenager, this kiddo did not like books; he absolutely did not like listening to me read...until I just happened to read the right book. Turns out his grandmother, Belinda whom I’d heard sweet things about, used to playfully growl at him when he was younger. Well, if you’ve ever read the book, I’m a Shark, you know it involves growling. From that moment on, he enjoyed books. Well, it was really only that one book, but we read it repeatedly.
His smile, his laugh, his escape tactics...they were all unique...all his own.
His own story was much too short for me. I wanted more time. I’m selfish and I wanted more time for him on earth to add to his story. But in this moment, I can still see his sweet little sleeping face, and I can’t help but think he is now experiencing more than he ever could before.
He is going to be greatly missed by those who loved and cared for him~his great aunt and his nurses, whom I witnessed firsthand.
During his service, I got to see many others who also loved him, and I got to hear loving words from his big sister.
I’m wishing, everyone who loved him, peace.
