Losing a child is the greatest heartbreak a parent can endure. The emotional weight of such a loss is indescribable, and it leaves a void that can never truly be filled. Sadly, for some families, this heartbreaking reality becomes a tragic part of their lives. This story, about 6-year-old Leland Shoemake, is one of those stories that will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who learn about it. Prepare yourself to experience an emotional journey that highlights a mother’s love for her son, the anguish of losing a child, and the small yet deeply meaningful gestures that continue to touch the lives of those left behind.
A Glimpse of a Bright, Happy Future
Leland Shoemake was not just an ordinary 6-year-old boy from Williamson, Georgia. He was a child brimming with curiosity, intelligence, and joy. From a young age, he exhibited remarkable qualities that his family cherished deeply. His mother, Amber Shoemake, took to social media to share just how remarkable Leland was, describing him as an early learner who was full of energy and love for life.
Leland was incredibly bright for his age. By the time he was just a year old, he knew his ABCs, numbers, colors, and shapes. By his second year, he had already learned 20 sight words. His mother lovingly called him their “little nerd,” and she adored the fact that he loved learning. Leland wasn’t just interested in the basics; he had a unique fascination with documentaries, particularly those about history, and could often be found glued to the History Channel or the Weather Channel. His love for learning, especially about history, was unmatched for someone so young.
In the eyes of his family, Leland was perfect. He was not only intellectually gifted but also had a kind and caring nature. Leland’s family, especially his parents, took great pride in his interests. He was fascinated by the Titanic, loved learning about World War II, and enjoyed watching Steven Spielberg movies, particularly “Jaws,” with his favorite actor being Adam Sandler. He had an infectious smile, and his presence was the light of any room he entered. Leland was not just loved by his family but also adored by everyone who met him. He had a rare ability to make everyone feel important, and he never met a stranger.
The Sudden Onset of Illness
Sadly, fate had something far too cruel in store for Leland and his family. In 2015, what seemed like an ordinary day turned into a nightmare. Leland suddenly fell ill, and his parents rushed him to the hospital. What began as a simple sickness quickly spiraled into a life-threatening condition. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, it didn’t take long for the doctors to identify the cause: Leland had contracted an infection in his brain caused by the rare amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris.
This brain-eating amoeba can be found in soil and water, and Leland may have contracted it while playing outside, something he loved to do. His mother, Amber, shared that the one thing Leland loved most was playing in the dirt. Tragically, no one could have predicted that something as innocent as playing outdoors would ultimately take his life. Amber reflected on this on her Facebook page, stating, “I never imagined that would be the thing that would take him from me.”
Initially, doctors were unsure about the cause of Leland’s illness. They suspected meningitis, but further tests revealed the devastating truth: Leland was suffering from an amebic brain infection. The infection caused him to experience severe symptoms, including headaches, fever, vomiting, dizziness, and eye issues that led to blurred vision and double vision. Despite his brave fight and the best efforts of his medical team, Leland passed away on September 25, 2015.
A Heartbreaking Goodbye
The heartbreak of losing Leland was unimaginable for his family. His parents, Amber and Tim Shoemake, struggled to come to terms with the fact that their precious son was no longer with them. After bidding their final farewell to Leland at the hospital, they returned home to their family’s living room, where they would find something that would offer them a small moment of comfort amidst their grief.
On the table in their living room, the Shoemakes discovered a note that Leland had left behind. The note, a simple yet deeply meaningful message, read, “Stil (sic) with you… Thank you mom and dad… Love.” Along with the note, Leland had drawn a red heart, and inside the heart were the words “mom,” “dad,” and “love.” At the time, his parents had no idea when Leland wrote the note, but they could tell that it was a special message from their son. Amber shared how deeply this note impacted them: “We have no idea when he wrote it, but you can tell he was always a special child.”
The note served as a bittersweet reminder of the love Leland had for his family, and it offered them a small measure of comfort during one of the most difficult times in their lives. The note was a final gift from their son, a reminder that even in his final moments, he was thinking of them, loving them, and showing gratitude. The Shoemakes will forever treasure this note, as it symbolizes the deep emotional connection they shared with Leland.
Amber’s Heartfelt Tribute
Amber Shoemake, in a post shared on the family’s GoFundMe page, poured her heart out as she described her deep love for Leland. She spoke about the joy and fulfillment he brought to her life and how much she cherished every moment with him. “He was my world. He made me a mother,” Amber wrote. Leland was not just her son; he was her reason for everything. His death was a blow that no parent should ever have to endure, but Amber clung to the memories of his laughter, his intelligence, and his zest for life.
In her post, Amber also reflected on the incredibly difficult journey she and Tim had to take in raising Leland. They had struggled for years to have him, and when he was born prematurely, they were overjoyed to see him thrive. Leland was a fighter from the start, and his family was fiercely protective of him. The pain of losing him was something Amber never thought she would experience, and she found herself sitting in disbelief, unable to come to terms with the tragedy.
Amber recalled the things Leland would say and the movies he loved to quote, such as “check ya later” from Dazed and Confused and “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” from Jaws. She remembered how much he loved his family and how he was the center of their world. “He was the light of our life and the center of this family,” Amber wrote. The impact Leland had on his family is immeasurable, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.
The Legacy of Leland Shoemake
Burying one’s child is a pain that no parent should ever have to endure. However, amidst the pain and sorrow, the Shoemakes continue to honor Leland’s memory. Amber’s post ends with a moving tribute to her son, saying, “We will love you forever, Leland. Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite.” She expressed her hope that they could continue to share Leland’s story so that he would never be forgotten.
Leland’s story is a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. It serves as a tribute to the young boy who had so much potential and love to give, a boy whose life was tragically cut short. While his family’s grief may never fully dissipate, they find solace in the memories of his laughter, his intelligence, and his boundless love. Leland Shoemake may have left this world far too soon, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
