The little voice from the top of the stairs said, “One..whee…two whee.” Our grandson, visiting with his family from Texas, had learned to come down the stairs on his bottom, counting along the way. He entered the living room with a sweet, “Hi, Grandma,” and a hug.

“I love you, Rylen,” I said, as I hugged him back.

Then it was on to Grandpa. “Hi, Grandpa.” He crawled up on Grandpa’s lap and snugggled under the blanket with him.

This had become a morning ritual during the week he spent with us in November.

We have had the privilege of seeing Rylen grow and fight the physical and mental challenges that he has met every day since he was born with hydrocephalus. And to watch the faith and commitment of his parents as they cared for him.

Before his birth the doctors predicted he would not survive. And we sorrowed. But he has lived for five-and-one-half years. A sweet, friendly little boy, who loves things with wheels and buttons. Who loves his little sister, and loves new experiences.

He began preschool in January. He loved school.

He is now fighting for his life in the hospital. We are sad for his pain and suffering. We are sad because we will no longer hear, “Hi, Grandma. Hi Grandpa.” He is totally in God’s hands.

In his short life, Rylen has touched the hearts of many people And I am sure he will continue to do so. But we are sorrowing again, and thankful for the prayers of so many for all of us.

Love your children while they are yours to love. Hug them and say “I love you” everyday.