Watch a short clip from The Lion King
The young cub called Simba from the movie The Lion King evokes the memory of a little boy I used to have in my life. He was as lovable, or, as wild when provoked, as a lion cub. His adventures included taking one of our dogs, hiking into the woods, and climbing the hills behind our farm to explore.
Often, I would look out the window into our back yard, and depending on what time of year it was, I would see Nicholas in the snow or on the grass wrestling, himself still a puppy, with the dogs. He left this life when he was of the age that he swung between the business of childish play, and an adolescent spending quiet time in curious ponderings.
The Heroes in our Lives
Nicholas and Simba are heroes in their own stories. They both were mere youngsters; innocent and pure, still believing in the power of hope when their lives became painful. They became warriors with the depth of courage that is valued, spoke of and passed on through the ages.
In The Lion King, the young cub loses his father in a violent death and his world is upended. Simba’s survival is hinged on his drawing from the courage he saw in his father.
My son developed an aggressive leukemia. The chemo therapy protocol waged a vicious battle against the disease, and physically Nicholas became a shadow of the boy he used to be. But his spirit, the light that burns deep inside every one of us, rose to the challenge.
Like my son, Simba was felled to his knees and robbed of his youthful innocence.
There are so many of us that can relate to the symbolism in the story of The Lion King. When I watch this movie, I remember Nicholas with bittersweet tears of pride and grief streaming down my cheeks, as the lion cub grasps onto hope, finds his strength and grapples with his enemy. Both he and Nicholas triumph in their own way.
Overcoming all odds doesn’t always mean every story has a happy ending. Some endings are not at all what we want.
Most of us will have a life in the story book way. In longevity and old age, giving us the time to see some of this big world, fall in love, make babies and bounce a grandchild on our knee before death takes us in our sleep. Then, others will die before the age of puberty.
Nicholas died at the tender age of twelve. When he was well his days were packed full of living, and in his bright smile, quick wit and loving heart he was notable, for this he will be remembered.
For what he taught to those around him, in his dying, is how he will be honored. In living our life, be it short or long, it is the essence, the feeling of joy, hope, love, and inspiration of what we brought to the battles that life waged, even when we lost the war, that we leave behind.
It is good to be remembered as Simba, the courageous young cub from the epic movie The Lion King.
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I have read your blog before but felt compelled to revisit it. I am filled with sadness for you and your brave Nicholas. Love and gentle thoughts.
Thanks Tersia, it’s nice to have you here.
Thank you Sue,You have done a wonderful job writing this.I have not
cried like that in a long time.IT HELPS and the pictures are great
Thank you. Tears wash the sadness from your heart.
Thank you for sharing your story. I recently lost my 12 year old daughter, Cecelia to AML on August 22, 2012. I find comfort in seeking out those who have also lost a child to cancer. Sometimes it feels like no one else can understand watching your child suffer through cancer treatment which ultimately takes their life. Right now, it’s difficult to imagine getting to next week, let alone next year or 12 years later. Thank you for using your words to help others know they are not alone and that they can make it through this incredible grief. What’s really amazing is I’m living in BC as well so I can appreciate your stories of your son hiking in the beautiful BC mountains.
Hi Kim, it’s quite something to have you visit my blog and comment when you’ve lost your child a mere few weeks ago. What you have said about living with the terrible grief is true. The sharing you’ve done here will help those that follow you to this blog. And you have encouraged me to keep writing. I wish for you family and friends to lift you up, and continuing courage with this horrific loss as you live your life.
What a beautiful story to remind you of your son!
Thanks for your always lovely and hopeful comments.
Love you Susan! Love you Nick!! You always bring me back to what’s important. I needed to read this today.
xo
Rosslyne, Welcome! Thanks for your encouraging words, it’s good to know when something I write strikes a chord.
You made him smile when it was near the end and he was tired, thank you beautiful girl.
I just came across your blog and I knew I needed to comment. I’ve been writing my own blog for over a year. Writing has been my greatest source of grief therapy. Like you, I lost my 17-year-old daughter to leukemia (AML – acute myeloid leukemia) on September 22, 2010. She was diagnosed with AML on July 3, 2010. And, just a few months later, she passed away. Losing my daughter has been the most devastating event of my life. It is easy to feel very alone in the world because my friends and family do not know what it is like to lose a child. With the exception of just a few close people, most of them just don’t know what to say to me or how to act. As you know, we are still the same people, but, have an empty place in our hearts. My heart breaks for you and I am truly so sorry about the loss of your son. I’m sure that you can understand and relate to my pain, as well. Thank you for sharing your blog.
beautiful, sad thoughts, susan……tears are running down my cheeks, such that it’s hard to see what i’m typing here. we do heal somewhat from our losses, but there is always that gaping hole in our lives that was that beloved one…..and whenever we turn our thoughts there, the pain arises again, and we miss our beloved one so much that as you said, it’s hard to breathe….in this trial, my only strength and hope lie in God…especially in my Divine Mother.
Dear Hans, that post wrote itself. We played the song at Nick’s memorial. When the drums started this powerful score a ripple went across the room.
Nants ingonyama bagithi Baba [Here comes a lion, Father]
Sithi uhm ingonyama [Oh yes, it’s a lion]
Nants ingonyama bagithi baba
Sithi uhhmm ingonyama
Ingonyama
Siyo Nqoba [We’re going to conquer]
Ingonyama
Ingonyama nengw’ enamabala [A lion and a leopard come to this open place]
[Chant repeats]
From the day we arrive on the planet
And blinking, step into the sun
There’s more to see than can ever be seen
More to do than can ever be done
There’s far too much to take in here
More to find than can ever be found
But the sun rolling high
Through the sapphire sky
Keeps great and small on the endless round
It’s the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life
It is amazing how love ones can impact your life when they are here and then again when they leave so unexpectly
Upon reading this one has to realise that life is a fragile thing and you will never know when it will be over for you so therefore one should start living for your family and friends and stop with all the little insignificant squabbles that really mean nothing. Tell all those you love that you love them, slow down and give them your time because you never know. Forgive their indisgretions, as they might have been made with good intentions although they may not have been, it doe’s not warrant all the stress which will kill you faster than anything or it will make your life miserable .