Parents discover heartbreaking note from their 6-year-old son following his death

'We will love you forever Leland'

Following the sudden death of 6-year-old Leland Shoemake, his parents returned home to discover the heartfelt note their son left behind for them.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Leland Shoemake was only 6-years-old when he contracted a rare brain infection caused by the amoeba Balamuthia mandrillaris. About two weeks ago, he was admitted to the hospital.

His parents, Amber and Tim, were by his side throughout the tests and during his stay at the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta hospital in Egleston. 

The Daily Mail reported that Amber posted about the despair she felt and the intense treatment Leland had to endure, asking for "prayers for fast healing, smart doctors, less pain, and no long-term effects."

However, the infection worsened and stole the young boy's life last Friday. Heartbroken and devastated, Tim and Amber returned home to prepare for Leland's funeral when they found a note on a living room table. 

The note was written with a red marker and read: "Still with you Thank you mom + Dad Love" and the words "good day" written in purple marker below a red heart with the words "mom dad love" written inside it with black ink.

LIGHT A PRAYER CANDLE IN THE NAME OF LELAND

"We have no idea when he wrote it but you can tell he was always a special child," his mom posted on a Facebook page called Prayers for Leland, which she started to post updates on his condition. 

Amber believes her son contracted the rare and fatal infection while playing outside, writing "I never imagined that would be the thing that would take him from me."

The grieving mother added, "No one should ever have to bury a child. I always said I hope it's me that goes first (because) I don't think I'm strong enough to handle something like this. It still doesn't seem real to me."

The GoFundMe page for Leland's medical expenses raised over $15,000 which was used for his funeral expenses on Monday instead. On Tuesday night, the Pike County community held a vigil for the young boy.

"We will love you forever Leland. Sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite!"

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