Joel Brandon Peterson

Our lives have changed forever.

Our beautiful, brave Joely fought his battle courageously. Seldom did he complain. We fought hard, as a family, never letting our "sunshine" know that the prognosis was not good. He truly believed he would be there to see his pretty sisters walk down the aisle one day. That he would stand and say "That's my sister, I'm so proud to be her brother".

Joel was born on 26.06.2000. He grew into a handsome, blonde, blue eyed and sporty young boy. He was kind, he made us laugh - and laugh - and laugh. He would goof around all day, and climb whatever he could find.
He was the gentlest, happiest boy I knew.

On 19 March 2008, I rushed him to hospital at 1am with a severe headache. He was hemoragging from the brain. 2 days later we were told. "Your son's biopsy report is back, it's malignant." Joel had Brain Cancer. A Glioblastoma.

Not once did he forget his manners, he thanked every nurse for every injection, no matter how many times they prodded and poked to find a vein. He would just say "try again, it's OK."
He thanked the DR for his lumber punctures because they brought immense relief.
He hugged me and thanked me for saving him. Little did my boy know what lay ahead.
We cried and cried, we sobbed and sobbed till we were numb, aching and near death ourselves.
Its nearly two years now but I will never forget him asking "Mommy, how long does it take to get to heaven?"

Through our worst nightmare, I have journaled, sometimes into early hours of the morning, many times late at night, in-between shifts, medication, baths and meals. Sometimes forgetting the days, the dates and even Joel's age. Through the semi-sane and insane weeks I wrote.

No parent should have to write such a story. To those who have suffered through the torture chamber of cancer, I salute you.

In honour of my son, Joel, who fought with everything he had - who never gave up, we are so proud of him. He would have been 10 yesterday, and only by the grace of God, can I share our story with you today.

Love
Monique
(Joel's Mommy)