Having a tough day?
Brenden Foster, an 11 y/o boy with terminal leukemia and two weeks to live, had two final wishes: to help feed the homeless and to save the bees by spread wildflower seeds. He asked that the sandwiches be half ham and cheese and half peanut butter and jelly in case someone was allergic to peanuts. A retired pilot asked his pilot and flight attendant friends to sprinkle wildflower seeds around the world on Brenden's behalf. Several days before he died got out of bed, off the oxygen, and went to buy a video game. The Seattle Seahawks' players paid for his funeral.
I compiled quotes I found in other videos. This video is from November 7, 2008. The interviewer Elisa Jaffe (KOMO 4 TV) Bothell, Washington. He died November 21, 2008.
CNN video via TheSexyPatriot
BRENDEN, after seeing a homeless camp:
I was getting back from one of my clinic appointments and I saw this big thing in the middle full of homeless people. And then I thought, I should just get them something. They're probably starving, so, give them a chance. Food and water.
That the country, even the world responded:
I think that is great. You think that's great?
JAFFE: What are the best things about life?
Just having one.
About death:
I should be gone in a week or so.
It happens. It's natural.
I had a great time.
And until it's time--my time comes, I'm going to keep having a great time.
His one question for God about his death:
Why at so young an age? I could have done more.
But if it has to be now, it has to be now.
JAFFE: What's your message to the children, sweetheart?
Live life to the fullest.
JAFFE: What gets you sad?
[Tears flowing quietly] When someone gives up.
Grandmother, Patricia McMorrow:
He has had the joy of seeing all the beautiful response to his last wish. It gives him great peace. He knows that his life has meaning.
He doesn't have much time....24, 48 hours. Course we never know. That's up to God.
He's ready. He's told us that the angels have come three times and he's ready to go with them.
Mother, Wendy Foster:
He's always thought about the better of others - wanting to help. He's never complained about having to got through this. Never.
He's left a legacy and he's only eleven. He's done more than most people ever even dream of doing just by making a wish.
I have been so blessed to have this child - a mother couldn't ask for a better son.
It's devastating. But I find great peace in knowing we've had our time together and that we sill see each other again.
Every night after he was diagnosed he and his mother thought of three good things that happened during the day and they had to laugh.
A chuckle will do. But a fake laugh is not a laugh.
He died in his mother's arms, amazed a young boy could make such a difference. His last wish? To become an angel and accomplish more in heaven than he did on earth. His final message:
Follow your dreams.
Don't let anything stop you.
Brenden "B-man" Foster
October 4, 1997 – November 21, 2008
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