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PIKE COUNTY, Georgia — The parents of a little boy who died from an amoebic infection in his brain last week found comfort from an unexpected source: a note from their son.
Six-year-old Leland Shoemake died at an Atlanta hospital Friday after battling an infection caused by the amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris, according to WSBTV News. Leland had fallen ill about a month before, and spent the last two weeks of his life in critical condition at the hospital.
When his devastated parents, Tim and Amber Shoemake, returned home from the hospital to choose burial clothes for their son, they found a note in his handwriting on their living room table.
"Still with you. Thank you Mom and Dad. Love," the note reads.
"We were in shock and broke down as soon as we saw it," Amber Shoemake told ABC News. "He was amazing in life and still is after his passing. He touched everyone he met and we are amazed at how many lives he's touched since he left us."
Shoemake posted a picture of the note, along with a tribute to her son, on the Prayers for Leland Facebook page — a place where the couple had been posting updates while Leland was in the hospital.
"He was my world. We struggled so hard to have him. He made me a mother. ... He loved his brother and family so much. He was the life of every party. His smile could light up a city," she wrote. "We have no idea when he wrote (the note) but you can tell he was always a special child. We will love you forever Leland."
We have no idea when he wrote (the note) but you can tell he was always a special child. We will love you forever Leland.
–Amber Shoemake
The post garnered thousands of likes, shares and comments. Words of support poured in from around the world.
The Shoemakes have set up a GoFundMe* account to help with hospital bills and funeral costs. Leland was laid to rest over the weekend, ABC reports.
*KSL.com does not assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.