It’s one of the most unimaginable tragedies a parent can face—losing a child far too soon. Whether through a sudden accident, a long battle with cancer, or a rare illness, the pain is indescribable. The story of 6-year-old Leland Shoemake from Williamson, Georgia, is one such heartbreak, and it’s a tale that will leave few dry-eyed. So grab some tissues—this is an emotional journey, full of love, grief, and a lasting message from a little boy whose spirit still lingers.

Leland was a bright, joyful child who brought endless energy and curiosity into the world. Even at a very young age, it was clear he was special. His mother, Amber Shoemake, shared that by the time Leland was just a year old, he already knew his ABCs, numbers, shapes, colors, and even 20 sight words. “He was our little nerd, and we loved that about him,” she said. “He loved school and loved to learn.” Leland wasn’t your typical six-year-old—he was captivated by history documentaries, fascinated by weather patterns, and drawn to the world around him in a way that amazed everyone who met him.

In a different world, Leland might have simply grown up to be a history teacher, a filmmaker, or a curious scholar. But in 2015, everything changed. Leland suddenly became ill. What started with some seemingly ordinary symptoms quickly became a medical mystery and a race against time. Doctors initially suspected meningitis, but after further testing, they discovered he had contracted a brain infection caused by a rare amoeba known as Balamuthia mandrillaris. It remains unclear exactly how he came into contact with the bacteria, but it’s suspected that it happened while he was doing something he loved most—playing in the dirt.

Amber wrote in a heart-wrenching post that she never imagined something so innocent could have such a devastating consequence. “The one thing he loved most was playing in the dirt,” she said. “I never imagined that would be the thing that would take him from me.”

Leland experienced severe symptoms in the days before his diagnosis—headaches, fever, vomiting, dizziness, and crossed eyes that made it impossible for him to focus. Despite the efforts of doctors and the support of family and friends, Leland passed away on September 25, 2015.

The pain of losing a child is one no parent should ever have to endure. As Amber and her husband Tim returned home after saying goodbye to their son at the hospital, they were met with silence. But amidst that silence, on the living room table, was something that stopped them in their tracks—one final message from Leland.

It was a handwritten note that read: “Stil (sic) with you… Thank you mom and dad… Love.” Alongside the words was a red heart with three simple, powerful words written inside: mom, dad, love. The note, misspellings and all, captured the deep affection and gratitude of a child whose time had been far too short—but whose love knew no limits.

“We don’t know when he wrote it,” Amber said, “but you can tell he was always a special child.” That note became more than just a piece of paper. It was a gift—Leland’s way of reminding his parents that he was still with them, in spirit if not in body.

Amber later posted a full tribute to her son through the Leland Shoemake Foundation, recalling his passions and quirks. “He made me a mother. We struggled so hard to have him. He was a preemie baby, but he came out screaming and healthy. He was smart from day one,” she wrote. “He loved ships like the Titanic and learning about WWII. His favorite movie was Jaws. His favorite director was Steven Spielberg, and he loved Adam Sandler. He was the life of every party. His smile could light up a city.”

Amber’s words reveal a little boy bursting with personality and love, a child who brought people together and left a lasting impression on everyone he met. “If it weren’t for Leland, we’d only have a few friends in this county,” she noted. “He never met a stranger. He loved everyone.”

Even in the midst of her grief, Amber reflected on the little moments that made her son so unique. He loved to quote movies, saying lines like “check ya later” from Dazed and Confused or “you’re gonna need a bigger boat” from Jaws. He had a voice that filled a room and a presence that brought light wherever he went.

Returning home to prepare his clothes for burial, Amber and Tim found that final message. That simple note, written in a child’s scrawl, became a beacon of comfort in their darkest hour. “We will love you forever, Leland,” she wrote. “Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite.”

Burying a child is the most agonizing experience a parent can endure. But in the midst of unspeakable pain, there’s also a mission—to keep Leland’s memory alive. To share his story with others so that his life, though short, continues to touch hearts.

Leland Shoemake was more than a boy lost too soon. He was a beacon of light, intelligence, kindness, and joy. His legacy reminds us all to hug our children tighter, cherish every ordinary moment, and never take the love in our lives for granted. In remembering Leland, we are reminded of the fragility of life and the enduring power of love.