Losing Vinny this winter has been one of the hardest things our family has ever faced, especially for Carter. He and Vinny were two peas in a pod. Little boys who loved legos, Star Wars, Ninjago, cake, sword fights, fooz ball, and chasing their sisters.
They are typical nine year old boys in every sense... except for cancer. Sadly, Vinny has been battling cancer for all three years of their friendship. Carter has faithfully stayed by his side always believing in his healing, praying for miracles, and rejoicing for every day he was given. After Julia's cancer journey, Carter was never intimidated by chemo poles, puking, ports, morphine loopiness, or drug rages. When these two were together it was always about play.
As Vinny's days on hospice grew into weeks. It was so hard to watch cancer steal his body from him. He progressively lost his ability to move and feel, but his spirit and heart never changed. As soon as you were in the room with him, he was just Vinny- laughing, pranking, telling jokes, requesting cake, and talking about legos. When they would play, Carter had to be his building hands as he lost the ability to move his own.
These pictures are from their last playdate. On February 18, God called Vinny to heaven. As relieved as we were to see his suffering end and rejoice in his complete healing our hearts are broken as we miss him and mourn with his family.
Vinny's Celebration of Life service was an incredible testament to his life and his work here on earth.
You can watch the service here.
We will never forget this amazing spirit. Vinny you taught us how to play, how to laugh at ourselves, and how to love bigger. You never forgot to tell the people around you how much you loved them. You always found time to play, no matter the circumstances. You showed us to give lots of hugs, sword fight wherever you are, celebrate holidays and every days, and there is always a reason to eat cake! You have known for many years that your life would not be very long, but you never let it change your perspective. Even on your hardest days at the end of your life you told everyone, "I love my life." And we love you, Vinny!
We will never forget this amazing spirit. Vinny you taught us how to play, how to laugh at ourselves, and how to love bigger. You never forgot to tell the people around you how much you loved them. You always found time to play, no matter the circumstances. You showed us to give lots of hugs, sword fight wherever you are, celebrate holidays and every days, and there is always a reason to eat cake! You have known for many years that your life would not be very long, but you never let it change your perspective. Even on your hardest days at the end of your life you told everyone, "I love my life." And we love you, Vinny!
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