Last wish: Feed homeless 2:18
Feeding the homeless is a Washington state 11-year-old's last wish. KOMO has the story.
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/11/09/jaffey.wa.last.wish.komo
Boy shares heartbreaking last wish
LYNNWOOD, Wash. -- Doctors gave 11-year-old Brenden Foster two weeks to live.
Those two weeks were up on Wednesday. On Friday, he shared his last wish.
Not yet a teenager, Brenden's time to die has come.
"I should be gone in a week or so," he said.
Brenden was the kid who ran the fastest, climbed the highest and dreamed of becoming a marine photographer. Leukemia took away all those things, but not his dying wish to help others.
"He's always thought about others. Never complained about having to go through this, ever," said his mother, Wendy Foster.
When Brenden was first diagnosed with leukemia, he and his mom began a new tradition. Every night they list three positive things that happened during the day, and they have to share a laugh. A chuckle will do, Brenden said, but a fake laugh will never do.
In the last days of his life, it was a homeless camp, namely Nickelsville, that captured the boy's heart.
"I was coming back from one of my clinic appoints and I saw this big thing of homeless people, and then I thought I should just get them something," he said.
Brenden is too ill to leave his bed and feed the homeless. He walked into an emergency room last December and hasn't walked since.
go here for more
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/34127439.html
Sunday, November 9, 2008
11 year old Brenden Foster's dying wish, feed the homeless
Brenden Foster said he wants to be an angel so that he can help the homeless from Heaven. Get ready to cry for this sweet child when you watch this video. He's proof there are angels here on earth already. He's one of them.
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This brings tears to my eyes. Brendan already is an angel. I hope this young person can be an inspiration to us all. I wish his family and friends love and peace at this time and in the future. Maybe more homeless and hungry people can be helped in Brendan's honor. What a truly beautiful boy.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Sherry. He is an amazing little boy. He must have a very special soul. The video with the look in his Mom's eyes, so comforted by his courage. A really great thing to behold.
ReplyDeleteHow can you not cry after watching this and really thinking about what this amazing little boy said. Truly moving. My heart goes out to him and his family.
ReplyDeleteI agree Chris, makes you want to go around you're house and find anything you can to give them clothes, blankets, volunteer at a food bank and write letters to your elected to take care of them.
ReplyDeleteWe had a battle here in Florida that ended up in court. A group called Food not Bombs had to go to court because the businesses in Orlando did not want the homeless fed. Said it gave the wrong image. I think it gave the right image that homeless people are being taken care of by some angels walking on the earth today and living right here in Orlando. Compassion is always the right image!
I am a very close friend of the family and I must say that Brenden is such an inspiration to so many people.My kids and I love him so much and will miss him dearly. I know that Wendy(Brenden's mother) Would never ask of anything from anyone and only hopes that Brenden has inspired people to help others as he has tried to do. I however am asking for help for this family. I see her everyday struggling to make ends meet and they are having a hard time finding funds for his final resting place.There is a benevolence fund that has been set up for Brenden. It is at Washington Mutual bank under the Brenden Foster Cancer Fund.Thank you so much for all your comments. I know that Wendy shares comments to Brenden every night and they are very thankful for all of your support.
ReplyDeleteI'll Do a post about this right now. I'll look up the address and do what I can so others know about it. Thank you very much for telling us about this and for being such a good friend to a wonderful, wonderful family. Please let everyone know how many lives Brenden has touched already.
ReplyDeleteI just saw Brendan's story on CNN and had to type his name in my search box. I am in tears. What an absolutely beautiful boy.He and his family are in my prayers. I am going to donate 50.00 right now and about to call my Mom and ask her to do the same. I wish I could do more for this angel. Brendan, you have such an admirable spirit and you have touched my heart
ReplyDeleteCan someone post where to donate the money to on a comment? I keep finding the wrong spelling under his name.
ReplyDeletehi, I just posted and went to Washington Mutual. Not sure how to find where to donate. Is there an account number I should give or do I contact customer service with a credit card number. Please let me know.Thank you
ReplyDeleteI'm searching right now to find all the information. If anyone finds it before me, please send me an email so that I can get it up as soon as possible. Namguardianangel@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI have a feeling that if you call the News Desk at KOMO 4 News they might tell you how to reach the family. The number is (206) 404-4145. God bless Brenden and Wendy Foster.
ReplyDeleteHi Chaplain Kathie, I will keep checking back. I will donate with out fail. Brenden, if you read this. I am sending you a great big bear hug.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. I just posted the link to the station and the address on another post.
ReplyDeletehttp://woundedtimes.blogspot.com/2008/11/11-year-old-angel-brenden-fosters.html
They have a Problem Solvers site that you can send in donations and they will get the money to the family. The reporter I talked to said you need to be careful when donating to sites in case someone is not really part of the family.
Here is the address
Problem Solvers At KOMO TV
Brenden Foster Fund
140 Fourth Ave. North, Suite 370,
Seattle, WA 98109
snowgoer68, hugs right back to you. It's good to be able to do something for such a wonderful little boy who has touched the lives of so many. Out of the mouths of babes! He will help a lot of homeless people and make us think with compassion instead of trying to blame the homeless.
ReplyDeleteHello all. I just saw this video on CNN and was immeasurably moved by this amazing little boy. I am blown away by how selfless he is; a characteristic lost on most adults, let alone an 11 year old child. His story has touched so many people, and I count myself blessed to have come across his video. They say the greater the love, the greater the loss. It is clear that he is loved not only by his mother, but by the millions of strangers that have seen his video. I can only pray that when the pain of his eventual passing is too great to bear, the love of friends family become Wendy's shelter. May God's healing touch be with her and weaken her despair.
ReplyDeletePixieStick, very beautiful what you just wrote. This little angel will have an entire nation praying for him as soon as more people pick this story up. Think of how many lives this little boy has managed to change. Brenden and his family are in all of our prayers and that's a wonderful thing.
ReplyDeleteThis is Wendy's friend again. I was the one who posted about the Washington mutual account. For some reasonthe only branch that is taking the money is in Bothell, Washington. We are however calling them tomorrow to get this corrected. I know alot of people would love to donate. I will repost and let you all know what I have found out tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI just read the post about sending the donation to the problem solvers. That is a great idea. I think it would be much easier for people.
ReplyDeleteTia Harris
Friend of Wendy's
That will be great. Until then the station gave me the address to send donations to. As soon as you have it, let us know. Please pass on some of the comments her to his Mom so that she knows how many are praying for her and the little angel she blessed this world with, even for a short time. Maybe God will not only work a miracle thru him but for him as well.
ReplyDeleteBrenden, you are an inspiration to us all. a true angel on earth. hearing your story makes me want to be a better person. im sure your story will bring the same feelings i have to millions of others. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteBrendan -- God bless you. This little boy at age 11 leaves us all a beautiful example of wisdom and kindness. I hope his message inspires all of us.
ReplyDeleteCame across Brendan's story and wanted to let you all know:
ReplyDeleteYour chances of your child being diagnosed with cancer...1 in 300
46 kids a day are diagnosed
7 kids die every day.
Cancer is the #1 disease killer of children. And yet they only get 3% of funds for research.
Please help us in bringing more awareness to childrens cancer:
www.thepetitionsite.com/1/curechildhoodcancer
Thank you.
K. Clarke
this little man has more guts and compassion than anyone ive ever seen. Brenden Foster... if you somehow get to hear this, You are truly a hero.
ReplyDeleteFrom Marisa Kling @ St. Mark School in Buffalo NY:
ReplyDeleteBrenden Foster and his inspirational story will be the focus of my next Junior High religion class. We are studying the corporal works of mercy-Brenden's story will really teach by example. I am hoping my students connect with the idea that they, as healthy young boys and girls, can help feed the hungry AND in some way help comfort people like Brendan who are so bravely suffering with an illness right now. I would very much like to contribute a class gift to Brendan's foundation. I will wait for a link or definite address to be posted. Thank you God for sending Brenden into our lives.
Marisa Kling, wonderful idea. He is a great example of what even a young child can do.
ReplyDeleteLast night I called the news station that reported the original story. They said donations can be sent to them at the following address and they will make sure the family receives the money.
Problem Solvers At KOMO TV
Brenden Foster Fund
140 Fourth Ave. North, Suite 370,
Seattle, WA 98109
Bless you for the lesson you want to teach your children and I pray they are inspired to act the way Brenden has with so much compassion for others.
Oh my gosh, how can you not cry when see this story on CNN. My heart goes out to the family and this brave young man.....I hope that we all learn to love one another as this young man has. Alot of people turn their backs on the homeless and very few offer to help. This story has touch my heart and wish this young man a safe journey to heaven. You are already angle in my book. God bless you and your family.....and thank you for sharing your story to the world, may we learn from this.
ReplyDeleteShirley
Craig, Colorado
my name is jasmin and i live in michigan. i just saw brenden foster on tv. i am in awe of his spirit and very humbled.i do not have much money, so i cannot make a donation. but just in case even typing this lets brendan know that tommorow i am going to make sandwiches for the homeless in my city. i will make as many as i can..i live in flint, poor city. but i hope he somehow knows his wish will be carried out here in my town in michigan.
ReplyDeleteJasmin, That was what Brenden said he wanted most in this world, for people to feed the homeless. You don't have to give money if you don't have any, but you can give your time, you can give your prayers and you can keep the attitude of compassion you have within you then pass it on. Pass on Brenden's story to your friends so they can also have their faith renewed by this young angel among us.
ReplyDeleteEach one of us can change the world because of what we do and how we treat others. This is what Christ said. I focus on PTSD and veterans especially. I am a person without money or powerful advertising but I do it everyday, 16 hours a day. It's my small way of doing what I can because of what Christ said. After all, consider what He accomplished in three short years on earth without money, without a home, without computers, cell phones, emails and especially without a home. He walked upon the earth and people sheltered Him and fed Him. He called upon His followers to do good to others, to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, visit the sick and those in prison. He called on them to pray, not just for their friends but for their enemies as well. Your heart is as good as the woman who entered into the Temple, put in the last two cents she had and Christ said her gift was greater than the others because she gave what she had instead of giving out of abundance. Bless you Jasmin and everyone else on this post for the comments and compassion you all have shown this special child God blessed the earth with!
I go to the same school as Brenden. I don't really know him, but people say he was a nice guy. I feal sorry for him.
ReplyDeleteDon't feel sorry for him. Honor him with the way you treat others and you'll be a nice kid too.
ReplyDeletemy mom and me cried.
ReplyDeleteBrenden is an amazing boy with a large heart. God bless him and his family.
i know he'll be looking down on all of us from heaven as an angel.
I have never been touch by another human being like I have been today. I am in awe of how my eyes can be crying and my heart can be smiling at the same time. I am not crying for leukemia, my tears are of hope. It is now 4:30am and I am still sending emails. Brenden Foster you are my Hero. I am so inspired by your mission that I gathered a few of my friends, came up with a game plan and implemented this plan. This is a plan that any human being can do with success, help someone that is less fortunate than you. We have decided that we are jumping into this program full force. I (with the help of some great friends) am going to start a Feed the Hungry program in your honor, Brenden. We have decided to call this program, "Angels on Your Pillow". Our goal is to prevent has many homeless people as possible from going to sleep hungry. Your are an amazing miracle, Brenden!
ReplyDeleteI called local businesses, supermarket, restaurants, and as many people as I could possibly call and asked them a simple three word sentence, "Can you help?" After telling your story we have received food, blankets, clothing, toiletries, and a few odd and ends. I am determined to carry out your wish. I am not a wealthy person, but I am rich with your inspiration. You are only 11 years old yet your selflessness and courage is absolutely incredible. Wendy I send you a huge hug, you are an amazing woman! Your sense of peace and your loving demeanor has definitely reflected onto your son.
I am a firm believer that NO ONE should ever look down on someone, unless they are helping them up. I pray that your warmth and kindness will spread across the entire world, Brenden. Just imagine if everyone who is able fed one person who is hungry what a wonderful world this would be. I send you much love and the warmest thoughts, God is one lucky man to have you as his most treasured Angel, Brenden. We will all meet someday and that is something I look forward to. If heaven is full of Angels like you, what an wonderful place it must be!
If anyone in the Massachusetts area would like to donate to this cause, my email address is karyan38@gmail.com. I will drive anywhere in the state of Massachusetts to pick up donations.
Thank You, Brenden, for making me a better person! When you go to sleep, may you have a pillow full of Angels and the utmost feeling of peace in your heart.
Kim, wonderful idea! Bless your efforts.
ReplyDeleteThis angel child will change so much all across the nation for the people who have been forgotten.
This story has brought in hundreds of hits more than what you see here in the comments. Most people don't know what to say, but I am sure they will be forever changed by the pure agape form of love.
Agapē (ἀγάπη agápē) means "love" in modern day Greek, such as in the term s'agapo (Σ'αγαπώ), which means"I love you". In Ancient Greek it often refers to a general affection rather than the attraction suggested by "eros"; agape is used in ancient texts to denote feelings for a good meal, one's children, and the feelings for a spouse. It can be described as the feeling of being content or holding one in high regard. The verb appears in the New Testament describing, amongst other things, the relationship between Jesus and the beloved disciple. In biblical literature, its meaning and usage is illustrated by self-sacrificing, giving love to all--both friend and enemy. It is used in Matthew 22:39, "Love your neighbour as yourself," and in John 15:12, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you," and in 1 John 4:8, "God is love." Christian commentators have expanded the original Greek definition to encompass a total commitment or self-sacrificial love for the thing loved. Because of its frequency of use in the New Testament, Christian writers have developed a significant amount of theology based solely on the interpretation of this word.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_words_for_love
Cahplain Kathie I am sorry that I forgot to thank you for your messages, you are basically our link to Brenden. I would only ask one thing from you, if possible, can you please keep us updated on how he is doing? He has been on my mind constantly, it seems the more I think about him the more motivated I become.
ReplyDeletePeople become homeless for many reasons, the economy, mental illness, loss of family, abuse, whatever the reason they are still human beings and deserve to be treated as such. There are so many ways people can help a person in need, finacially, spiritually, remember a smile goes a long way. It takes 1 second to say hello to someone. Just remember a hello can make someone feel acknowledged and feeling noticed can give someone a sense of importance. It takes so much effort and energy to be mean to someone why waste the time.
Some think they are better than everyone with their fancy cars, matarialistic things, their money and fancy jewlery but remember that can all be taken from you in a heartbeat. NO ONE IS BETTER THAN ANYONE!! Millions of people are literally a paycheck away from being homeless. The next time anyone feels like wining because they they don't have that Gucci bag in black, remember there are real issues going on in this world.
Once again Chaplain Thank you for keeping us posted about Brenden and his family and also for you words of compassion:)
I would also like to post my email addy again incase anyone in the Massachusetts area would like to donate, karyan38@gmail.com. I will come to where you are and pick up donations.
Brenden is truly amazing! What a difference he has made. I would like to share my work with him to let him know there are others that share his dream. Do you have an address for him? www.FacesOfTheShadows.com I would like to send him a copy of my book.
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Faye
FayeChapman01@gmail.com
Hi Kim and thank you for that eloquent comment. Too many people in this world equate the value of their lives with what they have instead of what they give, what they feel, how much love they give as well as receive. At the end of their days on earth, they will leave things behind as a testimony to their lives. Others, who have valued the lives of others, see them as God's children, follow what Christ said, or at least try to, will leave behind miracles like this little angel.
ReplyDeleteI will keep checking the news station to see if there are any updates on him and hope that if anyone else sees anything they post it up.
Bless you Kim for seeing how much this world has been blessed when we actually do random acts of kindness.
Hello, Brendon I dont know you but I saw you while I was watching the news and if you are reading this I want you to know you will always be in my heart for such a wonderful and caring person you are you fought soo hard and now its time to make journey home where you will be safe and no more pain you are my hero Brendon and Wendy you are doin a great job hanging in there I've always wanted to feed the homeless I am sure glad somebody did! It changes soo many things Brendon you are a great kid! its soo sadd.. I will have prayers for the family and ecspecially you
ReplyDeleteHi All,
ReplyDeleteI was in the site last night and did a new post on Brenden. He is not doing too good right now but he's amazed at how much he's touched the hearts of people.
Go here to read the update.
http://woundedtimes.blogspot.com/2008/11/11-year-old-brenden-foster-sees-his.html
It really is amazing how people have responded to him.
Copy this link to make a donation to Brenden Foster Fund. The station set it up. Look for the drop down on donations and you'll see his fund link.
https://paytrace.com/cart/donate.pay?ID=1528&MID=27250021602801&PID=Donation
It isn't very often that a beautiful soul like Brendan's graces the earth with such Selfless Love. The world is a better place simply because Brendan Foster has lived in it. It's people like this child who are the truest wealth of humanity. God bless you Brendan, and thank you for being so very special.
ReplyDeleteAnohter update from KOMO:
ReplyDeleteHow you can help
In Brenden's honor, KOMO News will be holding a food drive for Northwest Harvest and Food Lifeline. You can drop off food on Thursday, November 20th at Fred Meyer stores in Issaquah (6100 E Lake Sammamish Parkway SE), Federal Way (33702 21st Avenue SW) or Brenden's hometown of Bothell (21045 Bothell-Everett Hwy).
If you can't make it in person, you can donate online by going to the Problem Solvers donation page and select "Brenden Foster Food Drive" from the donation options list.
Donations to the family can be made to the "Brenden Foster Cancer Fund" at any Washington Mutual bank branch.
Dear Brendon,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Chaplain Thomas and I live in Federal Way, would you mind if I came to visit you.
I have been busy in Auburn and did not hear about you until now, God has kept me busy but I have a word to share with you and I would like to share with you if that is OK with your parents.
Senior Chaplain Thomas Reardon
253-344-7318
Please let me know as soon as you can...OK
It would be a real honor to meet you in person if it is OK with you and your parents! Would this be alright?
I am about 45 minutes from you and would like to visit you personally!
Dear Brendan,
ReplyDeleteI heard about your story today. I just wanted to tell you that your wish to feed the hungry is very commendable. I know if I met you that I would be very proud of you. You have a pure heart; a heart of gold, filled with strength, courage and generosity. I have faith in God that no matter what happens you will be safe. Peace be with you always.
Dan Colello
Bellingham, WA
I just seen Brendan on CNN, I have two sons and this absolutely tore my heart apart. What an amazing young man!!! He is such a blessing, a true angel-how lucky are we to have been blessed with this unbelievable fellow. He truly touches my heart, I will be praying and thinking of him and his family~and am truly motivated to do something in my community to help the homeless, thank you Brendan, God Bless You.
ReplyDeleteAmyJ/West Virginia
I think we've gotten so accustomed to reading about bad things people do that when angels like Brenden come along, we are stunned by their pure love. It's easy to love someone in your family or friends but this young child is showing us how to love strangers who we have never met. It's like the story of the Good Samaritan. He was the only one to stop and take care of the man who was beaten and robbed. Others just walked by. This man wanted nothing in return. He just wanted to help. If we look at others and see ourselves in their place, our hearts soften. The miracle is that angels like Brenden, with so much need of his own, can look past himself and see only people in need.
ReplyDeleteDear Brendan (AKA The Angel)
ReplyDeleteI saw your story, 11 hours ago, & I, still, can't stop talking & thinking about it. I have not been fortunate enough to meet you, or watch you play with my two daughters; but, I feel so blessed to just know who you are & what you've done. Thank you for being the brave, amazing angel that you are! Even though I'm not worthy to ask anything of you -I pray that you'll do me these 2 honors: 1) please, let me keep you, in my heart, always, so that I'll never forget you, & so that I'll always remember you & what's really important in my life (my daughters); and 2) when you do officially become an angel -I hope that you'll, also, help me to be a better mom, person, friend, Christian, & example (like you), when you're helping everyone else. I don't know if I'll ever be able to touch & help as many people as you have -but, I promise, with all of my heart, that I'll do my best to follow your amazing example. May God bless you, your family, & your friends, even more than He has blessed the rest of us, by letting us hear your courageous & inspirational story.
Chastity
PS If your mom ever needs anything -please, have her e-mail chastityh@knology.net & it'll be my honor to help her, in any way that I can.
Chastity
ReplyDeleteThank was beautiful. Brenden is touching hearts all over the world. I did an updated post and it turns out that there have been responses to KOMO from Saudi Arabia and other nations. This one child, with his simple act of compassion, is touching hearts around the world. If a child should ever be nominated for sainthood, it should be Brenden. The Kennedy Center should honor him. The Medal of Freedom should be awarded to him. This child, this angel here on earth, has done more in his few weeks of fame than others have done in a lifetime.
I just read through the email that Brenden passed away this am. I was both saddened and glorified to realize he is with our Lord. I am glad Brenden got a chance to see what his wish fulfilled, yesterday. I want to tell his mother, Wendy, God Bless you during this difficult time and my thoughts and prayers will be with you throughout this holiday season. You raised a wonderful son, who was able to touch the hearts of many. Thank you - please write a book to share the journey of Brenden with everyone. Jesus, and Mary, I love you, please save this child's soul. Amen.
ReplyDeleteI posted the story a little while ago and found it very hard to do it. Such a sweet blessing this child has been and will be because of all the hearts he's touched for the forgotten, the homeless. Can't write much more than this right now. Please pray for his family and that what he started will spread across the country.
ReplyDeleteWENDY, MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU TONIGHT AND ALWAYS. BRENDAN IS A TRUE "BEAUTIFUL ANGEL" AND WATCHING OVER ALL OF US. HIS BIG LOVING SOUL WILL BE IN OUR HEARTS ALWAYS. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
ReplyDeleteWe live in Oklahoma and have been incredibly touched by his story. I have sent the story from CNN on to many people in hopes it will also touch them. He's so wise beyond his years and the impact he will leave on this earth will be felt for years to come. Bravo, Brenden!
ReplyDeletePlease pray for his mom and family. He passed away yesterday in his mother's arms. She'll need all the comfort she can get. This sweet angel touched the lives from people around the world. If you go into the search field of this blog put in his name, you can see all the updates. A really wonderful blessing to mankind.
ReplyDeleteBranden, You are an amazing little God's soul who came to let world's know 'compassion' is for eternal bliss. I am realizing that my ignorance sometimes shield my compassion. In future, you will inspire me and others for being compassionate towards other's hardship. I will make your last wish true and feed a homeless whom I often see in front of my office, who often try to look for help in the eyes of many but finds none. I will feed him not just once but as many times as I can. You will always live in my and many others memories.
ReplyDeleteI watched this story on cnn and I am amazed with this young man. my heart goes out to all brendon's family and friends. Off all the things he could have asked for he in a sense asked us to love one another to share with one another to take care of one another.
ReplyDeleteChildren like this are a gift and they teach us lesson's that we sometimes forget. To all how have seen this let us not forget what he has taught us.
This earthly angel was only here for 11 years and in a few weeks in managed to change the hearts and minds of millions. November 7th was when KOMO reported on him. Think of that. This is only November 23 and his last wish has spread around the world. Three weeks later people are trying to take care of the homeless more than ever before. People who used to just worry about their own needs in these troubled times, have reached out to help others with even less. I have a feeling they are looking at what they do have and feeling blessed when they see how the homeless live. Each one of us has the ability to leave the world a little better than it was when we came. Brenden did that in a matter of just three weeks.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless you and your courageous kind heart. We shall meet on the other side - in Heaven!
ReplyDeleteHenry Roger Danninger
I am absolutely speechless by the courage and determination of this earthly angel, Brenden Foster.
ReplyDeleteI saw his mother saying that a mother could never have asked for a better son and God knows and I know how true that is.
God bless you for sharing his story here for us.
With all sincerity...
I am only happy to do it because of the comments about this child and how much he's touched so many people. It restores my faith in humanity and offers so much hope for a better nation. I just wish he didn't have to die before we discovered how wonderful this angel was.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiration to all Brenden was. God will not make him an angel though, as he did that when Brenden was born. My deepest spympathy to the family. And if there is any consilation, his parents should be commended for raising such a thoughtful and courageous kid!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHis Mom must be a very kind person. The grace she showed as Brenden was dying and even after in the interviews with KOMO show what a wonderful woman she really must be.
ReplyDeletehi brendan, don`t worry we are there with you always, you are the real angel, no one knows anything , you will be with us forever, your wish will become true, and even my wish, you will see that by tonight,
ReplyDeletetrust me, he will be with us forever !
I am seeing this story for the first time today...and it deeply touches me as my stepson Andrew died last year from this relentless disease. He fought for two years against the complications of leukemia and exactly one year ago today he developed a devastating lung infection that kept him in the hospital for 3 months until his eventual passing on February 8, 2008.
ReplyDeleteLike Brendan, Andrew fought hard and at the end accepted his fate. These children are true, innocent angels who have earned wings of gold...and I'm glad to have them on my side...
My deep condolences to Brenden's mother...I have an inkling of an idea what the past few years have been like for her.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sohpheeah/2864426386/in/set-72157603873375546/
I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your stepson. That must have been very hard.
ReplyDeleteHi "Wish"
ReplyDeleteAs long as we think about him when we see someone in need, act to help, even if it's to offer a smile or a prayer, it will do his life justice.
When I first heard this story...he became my hero. In my life-time, I have had to stand in line waiting for a bag of food! I am sure I'm not alone as times are more than difficult for a lot of us. This young man has inspired so many people by his loving and generous heart. I contacted the Washington Mutual bank at 1-425-771-7283 and the lady said she couldn't take a debit payment from me. She gave me this : routing #325070760 and act # 4010598790 and said I would have to do a wire transfer.
ReplyDeleteI cried today as I found out little Brenden passed away in his mother's arms on Friday. My hero has passed but his legency lives on. I admire you, little man
Jazz Rice
Hi Jazz
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information on making a donation to his fund.
His Mom was interviewed a little while after Brenden passed away. I really think she feels very comforted that her son affected the lives of so many around the world. This young child will be a blessing to so many, more than any other charity could have ever accomplished. I really believe that in his own time of need, thinking of others instead, made us all more aware of what is really important.
I know this Thanksgiving, when I do the blessing, I will not be thinking of lack, but of the souls among us like Brenden and the amazing people I've met doing this work. It's been a very blessed year for me when people like you reach out to others to help.
This has inspired me and brightened my day! Just like most of you, in these tough times I am concerned about the increasing prices, and worry everytime I see my 401K shrink. However, Brendan has reminded me just how truely blessed I am, regardless. I have more than I need, and at the end of the day my needs are met and then some. All of us that are so lucky can and should find ways to give back in whatever way we can, no matter the pinch we're feeling, we are still in a position to give. Thank you for reminding me to be less selfish, Brendan. God bless you.
ReplyDeleteHe has reminded all of us and maybe, just maybe, more people will take a different look at their lives as you have. There is an old expression my Mom used to use. "If everyone took their problems and put them into a basket, they would take their own problems back once they saw how many other people have." Brenden, well he did just that but decided to do something about it. He showed us that no one is too unimportant to make a difference in this world or too young. All they have to do is care about others.
ReplyDeleteBrenden is truly an amazing little boy with more courage than anyone I know. I am sad to hear about his story but inspired by how positive he was throughout his treatment. I was also wondering if anyone knew if volunteers were going to continue to feed the homeless in Brenden's honor???
ReplyDeleteWhat he started will not end. Just by the comments on this post alone, there is a clear message that this eartly angel touched many lives. No one will be the same after what he did. KOMO has reported that people from around the world have responded and I doubt any of them will return to not doing something for the homeless.
ReplyDeleteI have spent the last hour reading all the comments about Brenden. Everyone on this site has been wonderful in their comments and praise.
ReplyDeleteI have the honor of being his Godmother and to of had him in my life. What everyone has read and seen about him is only a small portion of the "old soul" he was. While he was like every other 11 year old, he was also someone who saw the bigger picture at times. He loved watching the Food Network - especially when it got really scientific.
While I and his family miss him horribly, everyone has been touched by the warm words, prayers, thoughts and donations. Wendy (Brenden's mom), would print out posted comments and read them to him so he could see what kind of impact he was making. I hope that as time passes, people don't forget to keep doing for others that are less fortunate. Brenden would have wanted his Wish to last a lifetime.
To Brenden's Godmother,
ReplyDeletePlease know you and your family are in all of our prayers.
There have been even more comments sent by email by people who want to be able to help the family. A Chaplian, also from the IFOC, wanted to visit the family. Another email came from a veteran of Iraq. His own son is very ill but Brenden touched his heart so much he wanted to contact Wendy. All over the country, so many have been touched,not only by Brenden, but by the grace, love and compassion shown by Wendy. Please post if there is anything that is needed an I'm sure this long list of people would be happy to help.
I saw Brenden's story on CNN and was so touched by this sweet angel, however I couldn't hold back my tears. This angel got his wings even before he got to heaven
ReplyDeleteThis little boy is so beautiful. Knowing that this 11 year old is somebody so pure and non-selfish is just amazing to me & he'll be in my thoughts every day. This story has touched me so deeply inside, I feel as if he were my own son or own friend that was lost. 1 in a million was this little angel right here. God bless.
ReplyDeleteBrenden, unfortunately I didn't have the Chance and Honor to meet You in Person, because You are in Heaven now, but I'm blessed that I saw You at least in the News and Your Video-Clip, which brought Tears in my Eyes, because it is very difficult to "walk" in Your Shoes, You were just 11Years Young but already Wise and Brave I'll maybe never touch Your Level even I'm much older than You. I hope to see You someday, please tap on my Shoulder when You see me coming and tell our Heavenly Father not judging me to hard.I know Your Wishes about the Homeless and the Bees will come true, because of Your Example. Until then my little Friend and thank You so much. G.OK. and God bless Your entire Family. (would somebody tell me please how can I get the Video-clip code from Brenden's Video, I'd like to put it on my myspace Page. email: onlyfuerdich@yahoo.com Thank You
ReplyDeleteHi "onlyfuerdich"
ReplyDeleteYou can get the video from KOMO news or from CNN.
Brenden's Godmother posted a comment last night and I'm sure she'll give the comment you posted, along with the others to Brenden's Mom Wendy.
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteThere have been several updates on this post but I really wanted to share this one with you.
http://woundedtimes.blogspot.com/2008/12/brenden-fosters-selfless-act-empowers.html
Brenden is still making miracles happen. This story is simply amazing. You can find the rest of the up dates by putting in Brenden Foster at the top in the search field. There is also a story on how much money was raised and donated to the homeless.
Today is Brenden's funeral. It's a good time to remember his life.
This is Brenden's mom, Wendy. I am sorry it has taken me so long to write and respond back to all of your wonderful comments. I read many comments to Brenden before he
ReplyDeletepassed and he loved to hear them. I am documenting this journey and would love to hear from everyone on how Brenden changed or inspired you in your life. Please E-mail with this at Brendenfoster@comcast.net. Also please leave your contact information so I can respond to your E-mails. Thank you.
Dear Wendy,
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of you and your son. You must be one amazing woman to have raised that sweet angel with such compassion, even in his own pain, that he could think of others the way he did. And you, within your own pain, found the strength and compassion to do the same. I read every article about you and Brenden and saw the love reflected in pictures but I don't know if you fully realize how much your love inspired others. As you read the comments on this blog, know that there are many who felt the same way but they do not post.
Bless you for what you gave to this nation at a time when all of us needed to be reminded that we should all still think of others even in our own pain.
Please email me anytime at namguardianangel@aol.com