Oh, what a sad and happy day this is. Sad for me -- I am sitting here crying -- happy for precious Anton, who is in heaven now. I like to picture him whole and well, laughing and playing, not tormented by Epidermolysis bullosa.
Anton's mama, Vanessa, hasn't updated the blog in a few weeks but she has kept the Facebook page updated. The past few days, she and her husband have sat by Anton's bedside, making sure he was medicated and out of pain. They sang songs, watched movies, climbed up in the bed to hold Anton and love on him, and let his brother and sister stay in the room too, to have as much time as possible with Anton. Also, all the medical folks who have worked so valiantly for months to help him fight EB have come in and out. I don't know how Vanessa did it. I think I would have collapsed. I know her strong faith in the Lord sustains her.
I don't know how one can bear to lose a child if one has no faith. My mother still grieves for the baby she miscarried the first year she was married. When my dad was finally diagnosed with cancer, the one positive thing he was able to focus on was the thought of seeing his older son in heaven, finally. If I had not been able to focus on the knowledge that my dad was going to a better place than here, a place free of pain and worry, I would not have been able to bear my grief. But I know for a fact, just like I know the sun will rise tomorrow, that there IS an existence beyond this earthly one, and it's open to all of us.
This is a description of Anton that I love, written by his mama: Although Anton does go through quite a bit of suffering he is the happiest most content person I have ever been around. His smile and adorable personality light up whatever room he is in. He is truly a joy to be around and we are so blessed to call him our son.
