The rain is pouring down heavily, and I’ve got the windows wide open, letting in that fresh, crisp air. It’s invigorating, and I can even catch a whiff of the ferns hanging on my porch. Yet, amid this beautiful moment, I find myself dealing with the heartbreaking news of a young boy’s passing. Just past 11 a.m., I hang up the phone, tears welling in my eyes, and I silently thank the universe for my own kids, who are waiting for me to finish my call.
The Johnson family, who I just spoke with, are left with one child after their son, Lucas, tragically passed away three years ago from sepsis—a disease that can be easily identified but is often overlooked. Lucas scraped his arm during gym class, and that seemingly minor injury led to a severe infection that spiraled into sepsis. Just three days after that innocent scrape, Lucas was gone. I was shocked to learn that over 250,000 Americans lose their lives to sepsis each year, and it stands as one of the leading causes of death in children worldwide.
Later in the day, my son is busy constructing an elaborate castle out of blocks by the window. He’s trying hard to keep his little sister from knocking it down, but eventually, he includes her in the adventure he’s creating. The living room is dim, so I flip on the lights, and he excitedly starts telling me about his grand design—a knight defending his fortress from a fierce attack by a toddler. With the lights now illuminating the scene, it’s set for an epic showdown.
Lucas, a bit older, also adored building with blocks. One day, much like today, his mom asked what he was creating. He proudly told her he was designing a hospital to help save lives, inspired by the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. after the tragic events that had taken place.
After dinner, my son is at his desk crafting a short story. The desk is bright red, positioned against a taupe wall, surrounded by Star Wars memorabilia and stuffed animals that remind me he’s still my little boy. I’ve peeked at his writings before—simple stories told with one sentence per picture. Even at just six years old, he has a natural flair for storytelling.
Lucas had a black desk with dark blue walls that he chose himself, decorated with airplane posters—his ultimate passion. At only 12, he had already piloted a plane! After his passing, his parents discovered a heartfelt letter he had written to the leader of North Korea, showcasing his young commitment to human rights.
We just got back from a walk, and my son chatted with everyone we encountered. It might slow us down, but I love seeing him connect with people. He’s only six, often the smaller kid in his class, but he has a natural charm. At his kindergarten orientation, I watched him introduce himself to every child he met. He’s empathetic, quick to approach someone alone, and finds joy in making new friends.
Lucas was known for his friendliness and kindness. Even at 12, he was the go-to friend for many kids who needed support. After his passing, a new student from Japan wrote a tribute to him, highlighting how he made newcomers feel welcome. At 5’9″ and 160 pounds, he was one of the tallest boys in his class, but he used his size to be a helper, not a bully.
As bedtime approaches, my two kids are in the playroom, racing from room to room. I gather them in my lap for a story before we dive into our bedtime routine. Sometimes, my son reads to us, sharing tales from his imaginative mind.
Lucas and his sister, Emma, shared a special bond, playing together as my kids do now. They loved biking around their community, and at just seven years old, Lucas even campaigned for a new bike path. Their mom would read to them at night, too, just like I do with mine.
Talking with the Johnsons, I couldn’t help but see Lucas in my son and Emma in his sister. Lucas could easily have been my child—or yours. The only real difference is that I can tuck my kids into bed tonight. Lucas’s bed sits empty.
It’s heartbreaking to think that Lucas died from sepsis, a preventable condition. Like many parents, I was unaware of its dangers before this conversation. According to the Sepsis Alliance, sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection, which can cause tissue damage, organ failure, and even death. Any cut, regardless of size, can lead to an infection, and Lucas’s happened during a simple gym class scrape. The symptoms are often mistaken for the flu, but recognizing them early can lead to recovery. Without prompt diagnosis, the outcomes can be dire. It’s crucial for parents to learn about sepsis to prevent further tragedies.
Please, in honor of Lucas, take the time to understand the signs of sepsis: fever, dizziness, cold skin, chills, pain, and shortness of breath are just a few. You can find more symptoms and information here.
September is Sepsis Awareness Month, so check out the Rory Staunton Foundation for valuable insights on prevention and education. Let’s work together to save lives. Get informed about sepsis, learn the signs, and protect your child.
Summary:
In this heartfelt reflection, the author shares a touching narrative about the loss of a young boy named Lucas to sepsis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the disease’s signs. Through the lens of their own children’s play and creativity, the author draws parallels between their family and Lucas’s, highlighting that such tragedies can happen to any child. They encourage readers to educate themselves about sepsis to prevent future deaths.