Dear Neal: I feel greatly honored and humbled to have known you in the span of life that God gave. You have taught us that it is not the years in your life that count but the life in your years.
I remember the first time we met you at the age of 5 or 6. You captivated our hearts with your profound affinity for nature and its creatures. The sheer joy you expressed when spotting a snake or a gecko was truly priceless. Our trips to the Bahamas is still fresh in my mind. In you, we found an enchanting sweet little guide to the world's wonders.
Later, when you started visiting us in Florida, we would eagerly wait for your arrival by combing through our backyard, overturning every rock in hopes of finding frogs, geckos, or snakes to surprise you. I vividly remember a few times when we caught a snake and kept it in a box for you. Once, that sneaky snake managed to escape, even with the lid on. We weren't sure if it had found its way into the house or not, but we scrambled to find another one before you arrived from the airport. Seeing your excitement at these wildlife discoveries always thrilled us. And simply because of your fondness for maple leaf cream cookies from Trader Joe's, we started buying them in our home. Such was the impact of your infectious love and affection. In you, we found a cherished friend with whom we exchanged views on current affairs and shared an endless stream of animal-related videos and photos.
Then, a few years ago, the news of your illness shattered us. While I grappled with disbelief, you, dear Neal, stood unwavering and resilient. To say you merely fought the disease would be an immense understatement. You accepted the challenge gracefully while holding on to your core values. Even through all the agonizing surgeries and treatments, you radiated more love toward us, you were grateful for your time here, and your bond with nature deepened. Most adults, let alone teenagers, would falter under such pressure. But you, Neal, proved that only an elevated soul born with a higher purpose could navigate such adversity with poise.
In you, we found a guru. You had the wisdom of a sage beyond your years who taught us the art of acceptance, resilience, love, and cheerfulness and to radiate unconditional love even in the face of overwhelming pain.
You have evolved from our sweet little boy into our friend and, remarkably, our guru.
The mere thought of you fills my heart with warmth and gives me the strength I never knew I had. You have touched the lives of so many people with your unconditional love, boundless joy, and unwavering cheerfulness.
Neal, my sweet boy, my friend, my guru, I'll miss you terribly, and your memory is forged in our hearts forever. They say that those who are close to us never pass, and they live in our hearts and minds always. I feel your presence in every corner of our world. When I spot a snake slithering by, I think of you. When a gecko springs into view, there you are again. Every time I pause to look and admire nature, I see your face smiling. The laughter and the twinkle in your eyes are with us every moment.
Thank you for instilling in us a deep appreciation for nature and for showing us the power of unconditional love. Thank you for teaching us to face life's challenges with grace and acceptance, transcending them with remarkable resilience. We will continue to cherish t your memories and offer each other the same unconditional love you gave us.