A post from Uncle Eric

 I am lucky.

My children are lucky.

My nephews are lucky.

My siblings are lucky.

We are all so lucky to have Uncle Eric.

My precious boy will finish his 30 radiation treatments tomorrow. We are still facing so many unknowns about his condition.  There are still too many unanswered questions. This journey will not end tomorrow.  I am so thankful for our family, friends, and all the prayers that have gotten us this far. We are exceptionally blessed to have Uncle Eric in our corner.

Below are his words about Braeden.  

When I was younger, I always knew that I wanted to be a parent.  I felt that it would be one of my life’s greatest accomplishments.  To be able to raise a child, to teach them, and to help them develop as an individual of character who will one day go forth and make a difference in the world because of your influence was a challenge I eagerly looked forward to accepting.   Unfortunately, in my twenties, I learned that would not be possible for me.  It was a difficult truth to learn and to come to terms.  What I did do, however, was decide that I would be the BEST uncle that I could possibly be when and if given the opportunity.  I am now blessed with five amazing nephews who I love more than life itself.  Each one has a personality as unique and as special as the individuals they are, and all five are highly intelligent and talented with varied interests.  Among them, there is Braeden, my oldest nephew.

Braeden has always held a special place in my heart.  I have been there with Braeden as well as my sister for every significant surgery, treatment, and milestone in his life whenever humanly possible.  Since the birth of my three oldest nephews, my sister has done an extraordinary job keeping me informed and a part of everything that happens in their lives, almost weekly.  I am fortunate that those boys always want me to be included in the things they do.  Braeden, for one, texts me often to say hello, to invite me to an event, a trip, or activity, or to simply say “I love you.”

Braeden has always been an old soul who I have always admired for his courage, his perseverance, his positive attitude, and his gentle spirit.  I cannot imagine what he thinks about when he isn’t sharing his feelings with us.  What are his hopes, his fears, his dreams?  He feels deeply and is highly reflective.  He is inquisitive and seeks understanding.  With all that Braeden gives the world around him (and it is so much), the world owes him much more.  For those who do not personally know my nephew, he is one of the kindest young men one could meet.  He is loyal to his friends and family, and he has a heart as big as the moon. He is a man of integrity.  As Braeden ends his radiation treatments this week, I continue to pray that the doctors at Duke will find the answers they seek so this special young man, this loving boy, will once again find some “normalcy” in a life that was already rife with challenges for him, challenges that he was navigating well, but all challenges that I would take from him in an instant if I could.  He has struggled enough, but I know that if anyone can rise above them with an attitude that can teach us all a lesson in humility, kindness, and understanding, it is Braeden.

I felt compelled to share this perspective of Braeden.  Though I am in the arena with her, his mama is his BIGGEST advocate.  So, as we pray for Braeden, let’s make certain we include her, my beautiful sister.  She has the heart of a warrior, but inside I know she is scared.  Let’s pray that his strength, his feeling, his sensations, and his “normal” way of life returns.  Let’s pray for healing and a lifetime of happiness.  No one deserves it more than my nephew Braeden.  I love you, buddy.

We love you, Uncle Eric!  

#BraedenBrave

#MrUnlucky