This story began surprisingly, at a Hair Show at the Orange Beach Conference Center, where I met Lisa Byrd. She told me the story about losing her five-year-old son, Jensen, to an extremely rare form of cancer.

I received an invitation from Lisa, a few days later, to attend a memorial party that would be held on Saturday, April 7, 2012; on what was Jensen’s birthday. “We wanted to celebrate his life around the memorial garden in our back yard. The memorial garden was started just a few months after he passed and the majority of the plants were donated by friends and family. The construction and design was completed with the help of so many who walked with our family through this most difficult time. There are trinkets throughout the entire garden and you nearly see something new each time you walk through. Everything in the garden was given as gifts.” Lisa explained.

Lisa said, “The day leading up to the party was extremely emotional for us all. I went to the cemetery alone and added a Super Mario figurine to his headstone. There were lots of tears and questions like, 'why him, he was only five years old. Why our son?"

“There were roughly 50 or so people who attended the memorial, both family and friends. Some knew Jensen personally, some just knew him through Caring Bridge. We were joined by our pastor and his wife, Bruce and Heather Drummond, of Gulfway Assembly of God. We began going to that church after a visit from the pastor when Jensen was initially diagnosed in December of 2007. They really reached out to us during and after this devastating time, and have provided a huge support system. We will forever be grateful to them for being a part of our lives."

Lisa further explained, “The party was a great distraction for us after our visit to the cemetery earlier in the day. There were lots of smiles and laughter until the lantern lighting began. Everyone decorated a lantern for Jensen. To read and see what the kids came up with, tore me up inside. They were so heartfelt and inspiring. As I stood there and watched them being released into the air on an amazing evening, it seemed as though they were all headed straight up to heaven to see my son. They were sending our love to him in a way that we couldn’t. As I watched, the flood gates of tears opened for me. Lynn and Jayden were right there to support me. We supported each other I suppose."

Lisa continued, "The community has always supported our family and they continue to give in so many ways. I wish I could give you each and every name but the list would be too long so I’d like to say, thank you for your support and prayers both past, present and future. I’m not sure how we would have survived without you all standing in faith beside us." "My little man, Jensen, brought joy to so many, even those who he’d never actually met. He continues to be an inspiration to others. My son was a blessing to many! I have a quote on my wall under his photo that I reflect on every day. It reads, 'If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.' It makes me remember all the smiles he brought to the faces of anyone that knew him or knew of him."

As the mother of one daughter, I encourage you to love your children with all of your hearts and spend time with them for we know not what the future holds. Every day with them is a gift from God, so reach out to them and be the parent that you want them to remember all of their lives.