The Brave Little Soul

About a week and a half after Cade died, a fellow mom shared this poem with Chris and I. She and her husband had also lost their son to Medulloblastoma. She also shared with me that he too died at 5:40 pm. It is such a random time of day so when she told me this, it blew my mind. She wasn’t sure if we had heard this poem before or not, but she knew how much comfort it gave her and she wanted to share it with us in the event it would help bring us similar comfort. Just as she has, I have read it many times since and I know I will read it many more times still. I had never heard it before and I read it with tears streaming down my face, but she was right. It did give me a sense of comfort. A small viewpoint in to attempting to understand why things happen the way they do in our world. It doesn’t make it easier necessarily, but just offers a touching perspective to life and that is why I wanted to share it.

The Brave Little Soul
By: John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, “Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?”

God paused for a moment and replied, “Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean,” he asked. God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.”

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in people’s hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this – it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer – to unlock this love – to create this miracle for the good of all humanity.”

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied. “I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!”

God smiled and said, “You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you”. God and the brave soul shared a smile, and then embraced.

In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.” Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God’s strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts.

For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts.
Those that were always too busy found time.
Many began new spiritual journeys, some regained lost faith – many came back to God.
Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together.
Everyone prayed.
Peace and love reigned.
Lives changed forever.
It was good.
The world was a better place.
The miracle had happened.
God was pleased.

Cade was absolutely a brave soul and I have had many people tell me how he has changed the world. How he has taught both adults and children about love and compassion. One of my best friends told me how upset her girls were when they learned that Cade had gone to heaven, and how although they didn’t get to play together often, he left a lasting impression on them nonetheless. She went on to say that many adults strive to do this their entire lives, and he did this in the 4 short years he had here. Knowing these things, hearing these things, fills my soul.

Just this week I learned that this poem is also a beautiful book. A dear friend gave it to me. As I read through it, at the end it is dedicated to a young boy by the name of Liam who lost his life to another terrible cancer at the age of 5. It has a link where the book can be ordered in case anyone ever wants a copy for themselves or someone they love. It states that profits of the sale of the book will be donated to organizations that help children who suffer from cancer and their families. http://www.alessicreations.com/thebravelittlesoul