Mom thankful to all

A few years ago, a friend of ours wrote the newspaper on behalf of our daughter, Hunter Byers. At the time, the doctors told us Hunter would probably not see her fourth birthday. Our hearts broke at this news.

As time went on many friends and family from our county rallied to the call of helping us with everything and anything we might need.

By the Glory of God, Hunter did see her fourth birthday. She has also had the joy of her first day of school, her first report card and first best friend. Three years passed by and we were grateful for every day that Hunter remained cancer-free. June of 2003 brought us up on three years of remission. When a regular scan brought the bad news that Hunter’s cancer had come back there were no second chances this time around.

In the past six months our friends and family have once again come to the call. Also brought into the picture this time was our small school of teachers, bus drivers and children.

I know that in the minds of most people that all children are up to no good. I, for one, would like to say that this is not true. Both second grade classes at Redkey Elementary have jumped to help in everything that has to do with Hunter and any care she needs. There is never a day that Hunter comes to school that the kids don’t smile and say, “Hunter’s here!” They have been nothing but supportive for Hunter.

This also goes for the wonderful teachers and principal at Redkey. They have all jumped in and helped with so many little and big things. There is hardly a week that goes by that Hunter has not received cards of encouragement and love from different classes. Teachers send her bags of snacks and items to keep her busy on her many trips to Riley Hospital. They have helped raise money along with the West Jay Optimist Club to ease the pressures of the back and forth trips.

Today I found out that the bus drivers have pulled together, along with many of the kids that ride the buses, in putting together boxes filled with Christmas presents for Hunter. I realize that not many people would say or think much about the kids in schools today, or the people who help teach those kids or the drivers that get the kids to school safely. But I would say the next time you want to think they are not doing their jobs, or that a kid is no good, to stop and take a second look. Many of life’s lessons are never learned from a book.

My Christmas wish this year would be to have Hunter healed. As that is a miracle that may never happen, I have only one other wish: That when you read this letter, regardless if you are a parent or not, remember to cherish the children near you, and never forget what it was like to be a kid. Childhood is so short. Lives are lost, hearts are broken, and before you know it, you’ve lived your life and it’s all over. So this Christmas don’t forget to give the child near you a hug, a kiss and an “I love you,” for you may not be able to tomorrow. But you will never regret you did it.

Make a good memory. That’s the best Christmas gift you can ever give.

Thank you to all for everything. May God bless you.

Nicole Byers and family

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