It is hard to believe that we have been without Cailean for two years now. There are no words which could describe the void that we feel ? some days are better than others and we can sometimes enjoy good times along with the tears. I belong to a bereavement group – the saddest one of all – one that only includes parents who have lost children. Sharing our grief, tears, stories, memories and, yes, even sometimes laughter, – our collective experiences have brought me to the conclusion that it is true what they say ? that God only chooses the most special children ? that those who have been taken away way too early were those who gave far beyond their years. Each, in his or her own way, was quite extraordinary and has left a remarkable legacy behind. Rather than focusing on what we have lost, I?m now trying to concentrate on the gift we were given for seventeen years and will forever honor the very special and noble person Cailean Walker Sheeran was.

May is, I have just discovered, Lyme Disease Awareness Month. We would appreciate it if everybody would use any and all possible situations to make others aware of how devastating this illness really is. We also hope to continue our public awareness efforts so that no other child or person has to endure the agony Cailean experienced.

?To live in the hearts of those you leave behind is never to die?. The validity of this quotation was evidenced last Saturday when fifty people and one dog came by train, plane, automobile, and boat to participate in the NAMI Walk up in Boston. They came for Cailean? they came to honor him ?and I firmly believe that Cailean was also there in spirit. We know that there are many, many others who would have joined us, if at all possible. As I have said in the past, ?What Cailean meant to you, you meant to him?. Thank you all for continuing to honor his memory. The grace of family and friends has certainly helped us and we continue to be ever grateful.

Maureen Sheeran