The rain pours down in a steady stream, filling the air with a fresh, earthy scent. I’ve opened the windows to let in the cool breeze, allowing nature’s perfume to waft through my home. But amidst this beautiful moment, I’m grappling with devastating news about a young boy’s passing. Just after 11 a.m., I hung up the phone with tears welling in my eyes, taking a moment to express gratitude for my children, who eagerly await my attention.
Mark and Eliza Johnson found themselves with only one child after the tragic loss of their son, Ethan, three years ago to sepsis—a disease that can be recognized but is often misunderstood. Following a minor scrape during gym class, Ethan developed sepsis, which resulted from a seemingly innocent infection. Though the scrape appeared trivial, bacteria infiltrated the wound, and within three days, Ethan was gone. I learned from the Johnsons that over 250,000 Americans succumb to sepsis each year, making it a leading cause of pediatric fatalities globally.
After lunch, my youngest son is engrossed in building a fortress from blocks, all while trying to keep his little sister from knocking it down. As I turn on the lights in the dim living room, I hear him narrating an epic tale of knights and battles—his imagination running wild. A sudden wave of nostalgia washes over me as I recall Ethan, who, like my son, adored building blocks and crafting intricate stories. On a similar rainy day, he once told his mother he was constructing a hospital to save lives—an homage to his dream of making a difference.
Later, after dinner, my son sits at his bright red desk, scribbling a short story. The room is decorated with vibrant Star Wars posters and stuffed animals, a reminder of his youthful innocence. I remember how Ethan’s room was adorned with airplane models and dark blue walls he picked himself. Even at 12, he was writing letters advocating for human rights, showcasing a compassionate spirit far beyond his years.
After our evening walk, my son’s chatter fills the air as he greets everyone we see. Despite being one of the smaller boys in his class, he possesses a natural charm that draws others to him. I’ve watched him confidently introduce himself to new friends, a skill that echoes Ethan’s kindness and willingness to help others feel welcome.
As bedtime approaches, my children are laughing and playing together, much like Ethan and his sister, Lily. They loved riding their bikes through the neighborhood, and Ethan even campaigned for a new bike path when he was just seven. The joy they shared during those moments reminds me of the love within families, a love that should never be taken for granted.
Speaking with the Johnsons, I saw glimpses of my own children in Ethan and Lily. The heart-wrenching reality is that while we can tuck our kids into bed tonight, Ethan’s bed remains empty. His passing due to sepsis was preventable. Prior to this conversation, I was unaware of the severity of sepsis. According to the Sepsis Alliance, it is the body’s extreme response to infection, which can lead to organ failure and death. Although the symptoms often resemble the flu, they can escalate quickly. Early recognition is vital; without it, the outcome can be fatal.
Please, honor Ethan’s memory and safeguard your children by learning the signs of sepsis: fever, dizziness, cold or mottled skin, chills, pain, and shortness of breath. For more information, check here.
September marks Sepsis Awareness Month, a perfect time to educate ourselves. You can also visit the Rory Staunton Foundation for essential resources on sepsis prevention. Together, we can save lives through awareness and education.
In conclusion, the stories of children like Ethan remind us of the fragility of life. It’s essential to stay informed about health issues like sepsis to protect our loved ones.
For further insights on family planning and home insemination, check out this blog post. And if you’re considering options for starting a family, Make a Mom provides excellent resources. The American Pregnancy Association is also a fantastic place to learn about donor insemination here.