As I was leaving my teens behind and entering my twenties, I had the opportunity to nanny for a wonderful family. I was in charge of their 4 children. I spent a lot of time with these children. I was responsible for getting them ready each day, getting them to school on time, helping with their homework, getting them to their after school activities, their sporting events, play practices, traveling with them, playing with them, Dr. appointments... loving them
I spent a lot of time with Michael, the youngest{at the time}. He was a sweet little 4 year old. He was my side kick, my constant companion while the older three were at school. He loved to laugh. He was shy. He loved Happy meals(mostly for the toy inside). He didn't like to take naps. He was your normal, 4 year old. He loved his Mommy. He cried {every time}I dropped him off at preschool. He was happy when I picked him up. He was the boy that wore his costume the entire week after Halloween(you should of seen the giggles we'd get at the mall}He had a grin that melted my heart. He was sweet and innocent.
This is cute Michael{bottom left} with his brothers, Stephen and Brandon and his Mom.
{My scanner is not working. When it is back up & running, I will add a few more pictures.}

As I have thought an awful lot about him this last week, my heart just breaks every time. Michael took his own life on February 27th at the young age of 18. It makes me sad to think that he was that sad, sad enough that he felt the need to take his own life. My heart is breaking for his Mom & each one of his siblings. I can't even imagine the pain they are experiencing right now. With the news of Michael's death, I was once again reminded that life is precious. Reminded that we shouldn't ever take our loved ones for granted. Reminded that we need tell them that we love them any/every chance we get.
My thoughts are with his family at this time. I pray that they will find the peace that they will need to sustain them as they begin to heal.