An Inspiration

Sometimes I wonder why I became a teacher. Then moments like these come, and I stand in awe of the young people I’ve taught and hope that in some way, God may have used me as an instrument to influence them to be the way they are, even if it’s just a little bit.
One of my former students, a middle schooler, passed away yesterday. He found out he had cancer a year and a half ago, and had been fighting the battle since that time. I really have no words to say, but am amazed at how eloquent and loving his friends and siblings – many around the ages of 12-15 - have been. I’ve also been incredibly touched by what he’s written. I’m going to just paste some things here. (All entries were copied exactly as they were written – please understand that most authors aren’t native English speakers.)
At the end of January, the doctors gave him three to ten months to live. We visited him on Jan. 28, and he passed away on Feb. 21. As one student put it, “3-10 months sure goes by fast.” I’m going to miss this young man. Read on and let God speak to you through these young people.
From his sister: (click here for the rest of the entry)

Through the incredible suffering, you have practically never complained or lost patience with anyone.  How have you done that, Ian?  You are so amazing and so is the God that has given you such incredible strength through it all!  It has been so so hard to watch you suffer this past year and a half, but it has also been so beautiful to see you pursuing God more than ever before…last week you were baptized.  I couldn’t help but cry at the time because you will probably leave us soon, but also from such joy in knowing that you know Jesus too; someday we’ll all be together in heaven!

From a male friend:

You still taught me lots, about games, God, and most of all to have courage. Watching you going through that much pain just makes me sad, I couldn't do anything for you, I'm sorry. We love you and we will all miss you. We will meet you someday, wait for us.
I believe that God is now taking care of you and you are not in pain anymore. Nothing in Heaven is bad, just like the Bible says. Thanks for all the happy memories you gave me, you're an awesome friend, an awesome Runescape player, an awesome athlete, and most of all, you're an awesome soldier who fought away your fears. I love you.

From another male friend, talking about his Facebook Wall of messages:

This may be the most beautiful wall ever :) You'll love it - Hope God get's you your dream computer! We'll miss you loads and loads and loads, but someday we'll be up there with you... until that day comes, Goodbye

From a female friend:

Sometimes I wish I could save you
And there're so many things that I want you to know
I wont give up till it's over
If it takes you forever I want you to know
That if you fall, stumble down
I'll pick you up off the ground
If you lose faith in you
I'll give you strength to pull through
Tell me you won't give up cause I'll be waiting if you fall
Oh you know I'll be there for you
If only I could find the answer
To take it all away
this one's for you. i wish i could do more. but music is one thing we both understand. now, i'll let the music speak for me. praying for all the best buddy. i'll see you in a lifetime x

From a male friend:

LIfe is fragile, the only thing separating you and me now is a small accident. Ever since the day you were sick I felt a wave of anger at everyone, me, God and the doctors. But you are different you are hopeful and you trust in God... You can praise in the storm as Steph says. I caught on to that then when greater trouble comes I lose it, I lose it all. But once I look at you again you are still there, praising and singing in the storm. You are the power that helps me get back up and get going again.
Now this is the moment that I will need you, I feel agony, sorrow, and unbelief. I am glad in the mist of that you are there to remind me. Yes, I am sad, I broke down at the news, I am sorry that I couldn't offer anything for you to go against the sickness except company. I understand you have to go... I don't blame you but I kept asking God why. Again you came in reminder of me. I doubt we can refill this hole in our hearts but don't worry we will go on because of you, because of what you have offered. You are the peaceful warrior of God. You are our hero.
We felt dreading pain in your leaving but remember the happiness we gained in your life is far greater then that. You are more valuable then all material things to us for it can be taken away and you cannot. I know I will see you again. I will.

From a female friend:

we know that you're now in the best place anyone could ever be, at home where you belong, where you're happy and without pain, and with God.
its not fair how you have to leave the world, and how you have to go through so much in your life.. and right now, all i could think is, "why God?"
we'll never understand why God do the things He does... and all we can do is trust in Him and have faith, even though its hard, especially in times like this.
… you'll always be a role model, example, and insipration for all of us -- cuz you were faithful, courageous, trusting, kind, an amazing person.... good at guitar, good at sports, a strong christian and fighter.. and so much more. you were the one who told me to listen to "i can only imagine" and send me the song "more than ashes." i still know that your favorite color is light blue, favorite animal is eagle, and favorite verse: Isaiah 40:31, and your hero: terry fox.
still remember the first day of 7th grade -- i found out that you had cancer. couldn't believe it then, and throughout these months, some part of me still refuse to believe it.. and all we do is keep praying, clinging on to the fragile thread of hope that maybe, just maybe, a miracle would happen and you would be healed. but that never happen either.. but at least, now you're at heaven.. and that's good even though it hurts us that we won't be able to see you again on earth.
i'm sorry that at times, i couldn't be more encouraging and don't know what to say that would make you feel better. like the time when you told us that the chemo you have been doing was all for nothing becuase they found out that your cancer type was different... and when you told us to pray for a peaceful death.. i wish i could've say something different, something that would actually make you feel better.. but i guess its too late now, right?
you once said, "well, I just want to see angels ^.^ or maybe even fly with them XD It was my dream to fly. if i can't fly as a human, then let angels take me :D" even though you were facing death, you remained faithful and trusted in God. You never did give up and continued to fight for you life. well your dreams have been fufilled now :) have fun flying with the angels! <3

From a male friend:

I so wish you can read this note for you now... I can't stop my tears now... I wish this was all a lie... but the reality is cruel. You have left for home with God first. I am so happy to know that you are with our Father. You are the bravest, strongest, and the most faithful warrior I have ever seen in my life, and probably be the best I'll see for my lifetime.

From a female friend (before he passed away):

i gotta say.. the faith and perseverence of ____ have not only been a total inspiration, but have also convicted me of the fact that i need to get real with God and start living every day like it's my last; using the moments i've been given NOW to give God my all, instead of waiting for a time when total surrender is convenient for me.

From his brother:

(After he passed away) "Be at Peace My brother..I'll miss you...One day we'll be together again...One day..."
“When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. You should live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.."

(Before he passed away) "Quai dao jia luh GuhGuh..Quai dao luh..And I'll wait to be with you again in Heaven..Wo Ai Ni Ian.." "I will give thanks and worship to my God. I will trust in him in times of sadness. My God will give me peace and I will not fear what happens...

(Jan. 24, 2010, after he found out his brother had terminal cancer)
This can't be real, theres nothin left, All hope has faded, I've lost all hope..
(And ____ answers) Then ask God for hope... Rev 21:4 Jesus will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. When the days He comes, there will be no more tears. I'll watch Jesus wipe away your tears and patch up your empty heart. Here's for your hope... Isaiah 40:31-
Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not faint, and walk and not be weary.

From ____ himself:

(Jan. 29, 2010) About a youtube video, Father’s Love Letter,  he watched):
I can't believe i cried the hardest when I saw luke 15:7
"come home and i'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen"
(Jan. 25, 2010) You should not lose faith or hope, so if i lost mine, i can go to you. You are my encouragements.

(Jan. 24, 2010)  Don't worry, I'll be soaring with the angels in the sky!

(Jan. 21, 2010) healing does not just come from medicines, diet or exercise but more than that, God alone
(Jan. 9, 2010) started out trusting God so he'll end by doing the same, but who knows the result of the test that God gives to each of us?
(Jan. 1, 2010)  Like a seesaw, one sides get better the other side gets worse. Anyone can believe in Jesus but that doesn't mean you're a christian if you don't follow or even care for it. "The wicked one are the ones who recieved the gift of life and kept it all to himself/herself"

(Jan. 24, 2010, after he found out he had 3-10 months to live) I don't know how long I have left here, but certainly i've been enjoying every moment of it, even enjoying the silence. I'm still putting all my hope on God, because i didn't really put my hope on medicines anyways. However I can not tell what His will is, so I also do expect that I might die. We don't always know what God's plan for us, because what if God really is calling me home? But we will just keep trusting God for his plan is the best, because it is. Or maybe God just wants us to forget about hospitals and insurance, and trust him ALONE. So maybe a miracles can happen like what happened to Cindy's (friend) aunt. That would be great and I would be able to get my friends to believe in Christ. But even he doesn't, I only want to say that.. He gave me life so he has all the rights to take it back again.