Sandlin learned life lessons from son

Dear Editor:

I am truly honored and humbled by the outpouring of love shown to me and my family during the Skate City St. Jude Fundraiser last night. They say that time heals all wounds and I don't know that I fully agree with this philosophy, but I do know that time gives us opportunities to ease the pain and that is what all of you have helped me and my family in doing. When our oldest son, Matthew, lost his life to cancer, a part of my life was taken as well. I have been asked many times why I have participated in St. Jude events for the last 24 years. Matthew has been my inspiration. I watched a three and a half-year-old grow into a five-year-old fighting a dreaded disease. I learned of courage, determination, compassion, and the desire to live life to its fullest. Many of the lessons of life that I have taught throughout my life were lessons learned from Matthew. My motivation for participating in St. Jude events has been Matthew. Each year that has passed and each event attended has allowed Matthew to continue to be a part of my life and has allowed Matthew to be remembered.

To each and every family member who has ever heard the diagnosis of cancer with your child or loved one, then you truly understand the need for a place like St. Jude. The love shown by all involved in the work of St. Jude has left an impression that will never be forgotten. Danny Thomas said it best when he sad that "no child should die in the dawn of life." Our children are truly a legacy to life and he understood that principle and devoted his life to that end. I have prayed that one day no parent would ever have to hear a doctor say that their child has cancer. In the 24 years that the faculty, staff, and students have participated in the Math-A-Thon, we have been able to see many of the survival rates for cancer increase and to this and I am thankful to St. Jude.

I consider it a blessing to have been a part of this journey in my life with so many wonderful people. To students, parents, faculty, staff, community members, corporate sponsors, and central office administration who have given of themselves to make someone else's journey more enjoyable, more bearable, and more compassionate, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. This is for you, son . . . until we meet again.

Love,

Dad and Mom

(Lorenzo and Debbie Sandlin)

Poplar Bluff, Mo.