Update - 9/1 6:55pm
For anyone wanting to contact us for any reason, Melissa's sister, Randee, is going to serve as our go-between. Her contact info is:
Randee
randee@cox.net
619-890-1743
We would like to make a request at this time that instead of flowers or gifts in memory of Max, please make a donation to the MagicWater Project. More than ever this is where our our efforts will be... to help prevent other families from having to suffer the loss of a beloved child like our Max. Thank you.
Update - 9/1 2:00pm
Andy & I are planning Max's Celebration service. Tentatively, we are shooting for Saturday late morning, September 6, 2008 in Del Mar at Sea Grove Park.
Update - 9/1 5:55am.
Missing Max terribly already. Two moments of magic Sunday morning captured on video. This was the real Max.
149 comments:
We wish we could be there this moment to love you and hold you. We are so saddened. There are no words to express it.
Max's blessed spirit is in the arms of our loving Jesus. Amen.
Kevin & Rebecca, Ashley and Kanan
What?!?! He looked so well and happy in the photos of this last week!!
Our prayers are with his entire family and all of his friends.
Melissa, Andy, Hannah, and Nicky,
My heart goes out to you tonight. There are no words for this pain.
You have my tears, my prayers, and my love...
I will miss you, sweet Max. You have left a hole in my heart, and your friendship has forever touched our lives.
Holly
We've never met, but I have been following (and praying for) Max (and Will, and Erin, and Sam and Hans) for months now. This is such unutterably sad news, even though you have warned us that Max's body's was losing its ability to continue to fight off neuroblastoma. I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. Cancer was so unfair to Max, but he was so incredibly blessed to have you three as his family.
I am shocked at how quickly this happened and deeply saddened. There are no words. I want to share with you an excerpt from a song that was a neat reflection for me after losing a dear friend to cancer.
("For Good" from Wicked the Musical- lyrics by by Stephen Schwartz)
I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you:
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good
It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend:
Like a ship blown from its mooring
By a wind off the sea
Like a seed dropped by a skybird
In a distant wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you:
Because I knew you:
I have been changed for good
- I didn't know Max but I have been following his courageous fight and have been touched by him. I know everyone that did know him must have been changed for good just for knowing such a great kid.
God bless you and your family.
-Leandra
There are no words....
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this so very sad time.
-Kate, in New Zealand
We are stunned and saddened beyond words at the the loss of beautiful, precious Max. God bless you all; we are so very sorry.
Vicki, Bill and Amelia Adams
(Nieghbors/friends of the Hutchison Family)
Tears from Australia for you all especially your beautiful beautiful boy Max. I am glad that he is not in pain any more though sad for the pain that you must feel.
-Hellie
It's 3am and i felt pulled to turn on my laptop...and this is why. I am so sad, deeply sad. I don't have the right words to say, all I can tell you is from my heart, i am so very sorry for your loss. Max was a gift...and still is for all those he has touched.
Our prayers are with you all~
The Hasson Family
I've only been following your journey for a short little while since I found it. I am so sorry for your loss and I would like to let you know that I will pray that you will find comfort as you walk this part of your journey!
Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts!!!
Lea White
Thinking of you all...
Rebecca Cook (Lille, France)
I've been following Max's story though the Mashed Blog and the beautiful photos posted there. He truly was a remarkable child with the most precious smile ever.
There are no words really. Just thoughts and prayers for you all. And the knowledge that Max touched a lot of people and because of him we'll all be living life to the Max!
Bea, Japan
MY heart breaks for you all. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oh, Andy and Melissa! I am so very sorry. Words once again fail. I love that precious boy with all my heart. Thank you for sharing him. His light will always shine. xolisa
There isn't a single word out there to describe how very sorry and sad we are. Sending all our love, prayers, and hugs to all of you!
Hold onto your faith and believe in your hearts that Max is pain-free and running and playing in paradise this morning. You will be with him again and he will be with you always. We will be praying for your strength and courage to face each new day in the coming months. Love, SuperRyan's family
Words are inadequate. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you.
Peace,
Brian
There are no words... I am in tears. I send you tons of prayers... Prayers for you to eventually find peace, and prayers for you to continue to fight the fight in honor of Max. I am so very sorry. Even strangers could see the apparent endless love you had for Max, I have no doubts that he is still feeling that love! Hugs to you....
As usual I go up this morning and went straight to Max's page.. And now I am just heartbroken.. I knew how sick he was... but just never ever thought this day would come.. I am just sick...
You all are in my thoughts and prayers... This is just devestating!!
rhonda dudley
www.caringbridge.org/tn/sydneymarie
Dearest Andy and Melissa,
My heart breaks for your beautiful family. Max has forever impacted me and countless others. The collective grief is overwhelming for a Great Warrior. May God comfort...
Love and endless tears,
Donna
I am incredibly saddened to read of Max's passing. I have been following your story for a few months now praying for Max continually. There are no words. Even though we do not know each other, your beautiful family will remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Hi Andy/Melissa....
I just learned - Giselle called me and thank you for that. I have no idea what to say but will do anything I can to help honor Max. I'm incredibly sorry. Neil.
I too am stunned and saddened at the loss of your beautiful boy. I am just heartbroken for all of you. As a family you took the very best care of Max.
Each of you are in my prayers
Lara W.
Oh how sad I am to read this. I have been praying for Max and your family for months now and cannot even fathom how you are feeling. I will continue to pray for strength for your family.
Tia Davis, Cleveland OH
Feel the arms of us all wrapped around you in support, strength, and friendship. Words cannot begin to articulate how sorry we are about the loss of Max. You all remain in our thoughts and prayers - prayers of strength and courage during these days and months ahead. Max is sure to be smiling, feeling well, and looking down reminding all of us to live life to the Max.
With peace and with hope,
Sarah, John, Annie and Jack Bartosz
www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackbartosz
No words can suffice - we are deeply sorry.
The Monacos (friends of Hutchisons)
I was shocked and heart broken this morning when I read your post. I did not think his time left here on earth was so short. I am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful and amazing boy. I will be praying for you all during this awful time.
I am at a loss of what to say, Maxes Pic from Last week Look great, hes eating pancakes and ice cream, with that beautiful smile that only he has...
My heart goes out to you and your family. May the most beutiful angle in hven watch over all of you... and not 1 second you gave up fighting...
As always you are in my prayers
Dear Andy, Melissa, Hannah and Nick,
We are so shocked and sad to hear about Max. Our prayers are with you. And we know Max is in heaven, pain free at last.
Love to all of you,
Anthony, Reiko, Stephanie and Christina
I too was so shocked and saddened to learn of Max's passing. Thank you so much for sharing his story with us. We have all come to love Max and your family. I am sending many thoughts and prayers your way- may God hold you close at this time and bring you much peace. Max will always be a part of your lives- and I know, without a doubt, that you will be together again one day.
I am so shocked and sad. Im sure we all are. I laid in bed last night trying to go to sleep and for some reason couldnt get Max out of my head. Now I know why. My brother Steve passed away 8 years ago. I have been talking to him about Max. Steve is waiting to Welcome Max. I am so sorry..
Rebecca - friends of Margot, and Sam.
I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven has gained another AWESOME angel! Fly free, sweet Max, fly free!
Love,
Gwen
I'm in a little bit of shock right now, and I'm not sure what to say.... Thank God for the wonderful times last week with the pancakes, etc. And also for those beautiful moments with Max yesterday that you thankfully caught on video. My heart goes out to your family. I don't know what words of mine could possibly help the way that you are feeling, but I personally am comforted by the fact that his beautiful little body can finally be at peace. Finally at peace...
Much love to you all,
Cari (DeJong) Nelson and family
Leandra's post said it best....by having Max in all our hearts and lives , we have been changed for the better. All of us!
Max was an angel here on earth and is now with our Father in heaven. Too fast, too short, but that little boy packed a lot of living and love in his life...
Our hearts are with Melissa, Andy, Nick, the incredible Hannah (and Nanboo as well). Peace to all of you.
It is truly a miracle how, through your words, video, and Deb's marvelous photographs, one small boy has been able to reach out and touch the hearts of so many people. I am so sorry for your loss and can't even imagine the range of emotions you two and Hannah must be experiencing. Please accept my condolences.
Max Will ALWAYS Be Remembered!
"Silently, one by one,
in the infinite meadows of the heaven,
blossomed the lovely stars,
the forget-me-nots of the angels."
~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Evangeline, 1847
With Prayers, Love, and Hugs, Susan Meyers
Jenkintown, Pennsylvania
United States
Melissa, Andy, Hannah & Nic,
Words cannot express our sorrow at your loss of sweet Max. We will carry a little piece of him in our hearts always.
All our love.
Maureen, Greg and Madeline
I am so so sorry to read this news. May GOD hold you close during this difficult time. Hugs and prayers. Carolyn Wing grandma to Laura Stage IV neurolastoma carepages.com page name LauraVDB
carolyn_wing@yahoo.com
I am so sorry of Max's passing. You have made the best website of Max that I have ever seen. Better than any scrapbook too.
I was wondering how many angels we had lost on our NB Group. WAY TOO MANY.
I prayer that God is holding each of you in the palm of his hand as you face this new chapter in your life. Iknow you were wonderful parents, I can tell by your writing. Faith, NB HOPE and hoping for a cure. Lou/grandmother to Josh
dx.NBIV 6/01 www.caringbridge.org/page/josh
I know that there are no words that make this time easier for you. We are so very sorry for your loss, and will continue to pray for your family during these times.
I feel blessed to have "known" Max through the blog and am deeply saddened to hear of Max's passing and for the deep hurt you must feel in this loss. My prayers are with you now more than ever.
-Breanne
I woke up this morning to check your blog, as I always do. Did not expect this posting. So sudden yet I hope that the suddenness at least means that Max and you did not have to suffer unneeded pain any more then you had. Now I'm sure there will be the hollow emptiness you will have to endure without your sweetest boy. May the memories you have accumulated with so much effort fill that emptiness and the thought of Max not have to suffer any more comfort you. My deepest sympathy and prayers for you all, dearest Andy, Melissa, Hanna, and Nick.
With tears,
Shiho
I am so sorry for your loss. I have followed Max since I spent a year working at his school He was an inspiring little boy- and you are an inspiring family. My thoughts are with you.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers, always have. Bless you all.
Max, take care little man.
The Dennis Family
i don't know max in real life, but he has tugged at my heartstrings.
he is BEAUTIFUL!
i can't stop watching the video of him.
you are in my thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry. I randomly came across your blog a few days ago but I have seen Max and Melissa in clinic a few times (my daughter has NB also). My heart goes out to you. I wish I had better words. Max was such a fighter and was so brave in the face of this horrible disease.
To our sweet friend Max,
We know that you are in Heaven now, and while our eyes fill with tears and we feel such an immense sense of emptiness and unjust, we are so proud to have known you. You taught us how to fight like a warrior, how to smile along the way, and how to find ways of living--even when it seemed impossible. With the immense love, support and guidance of your mom, dad, Hannah, and Nick, we have all learned to live life to the Max, each and every day.
Melissa and Andy, if there is anything that we can do to support you, please call on us. Ingo and I are here for you---even if only in prayer.
Hannah, you are not alone. Your courage and bravery has been watched by so many of your friends, and now it is time for you to let those friends carry you for a while. Turn to your Girl Scouts and your best friends at school, and share your thoughts and emotions with them.
Nick, smile and be the sweet little man that you are. Your laughter and joy will help your family to have the strength to get through each day.
Max, you've made us all more loving human beings, more willing to live a full and rich life--even in the face of death, and more devoted to helping others during times of difficulty. While the world is a bit lonelier today, and the sadness we all feel is so intense, I pray that those lessons you've taught us will carry on throughout our lives.
With love and sympathy,
Leigh, Ingo,
Noah and Zoe William
I can't think what to say, except he mattered to people who had not even met him who know him only through reading his blog. My heart hurts for you. What a precious boy.
Andy, Melis, Hannah, and Nic...
There are no adequate words...I am so very very sorry.
ALl my love,
Debbie
I really wish I had something great to say but I dont. I just wanted you to know how terribly sad I am for you all. Nothing I write right now seems worthwhile and for lack of anything better to say I am so so sorry.
we are deeply saddened at the news of Max becoming an angel. Our hearts break with yours, our tears fall with you. Max was an amazing boy - i will always remember him, his courage , his spirit,his smile - star wars and war planes will always bring Max back into our minds. Praying for God to put His loving hands on you, for His strength and guidance to lift you and carry you. God Bless, prayers
Mark, Samm & Deqlan
May you find peace in the memory of MAX! He was truly an inspiration to everyone that had the privledge to know him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
The Ashwell Family
Melissa and Andy-
I am so heartbroken for your family. I know nothing anyone says will make you feel any better right now. You have always amazed me at your ability to fight through the brutality of this disease yet honor Max as a person not defined by this disease. It is so apparent how much love is in your family- I know that made Max who he was. Sending thoughts of strength and peace your way. You are amazing parents.
Carrie & Jeff Palmer
I weep for you.
The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace. (Num 6:22-27)
I will hug my boys tighter. Prayers and peace to your family.
Words escape me. I loved him and I didn't know him. I'm so sorry for your limitless loss. I think it's not a coincidence that he passed before Labor Day. He will do no more labor in life. Only joy and health in heaven.
There are no words. We love you all and are with you always. Melis and Andy find strength in each other and in Hannah and Nick. God Bless!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, all the way from Istanbul...
Missy, Andy, Hannah, & Nic ~
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Be comforted by the thought of him playing and being regular Max with Jesus. He feels no pain now and will watch over you with our creator.
Much love from your cousin and family,
Erin (De Jong), Jody, Adia, Toni Baker
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved baby.
I can picture Max flying into Heaven in a war plane, the flying Ace. Crowds are cheering and welcoming him, because the battle is over and he won. He is a hero.
I know there is no cheering for his family. He is forever free, but your worst pain is just beginning. May God comfort and bless you.
Rita
Andy, Melissa, Hannah and Nicky,
I am at a loss for words and have yet to stop crying. I am completely stunned at the quickness of this, and am deeply saddened. I am so sorry for your loss. I have explained to my kids that Max is now running, playing and eating up a storm in Heaven. He's finally laughing his head off and purely happy to be free of pain. Max was simply a miracle. He was an angel on earth. Melis and Andy, he was so lucky you two were chosen to guide him through his short tragic journey. I am simply in awe with how strong the Mikulaks are. God Bless you Max.
The Luna's
Melissa,Andy,Hannah,& Nick;
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Max will be missed, but never forgotten.
May our Lord watch over your family, and give you strength and peace.
Juan and Arlene
I wish I could take away the pain you must feel. I am so blessed to have met Max and his spirit so enriched me. My prayers,love,and support are with you at this very difficult time.God bless you all.
Jon McClure
My heart is broken and full of pain over the passing of your special Max. We here are left in pain and hurt over his loss but he is free..free from pain..chemo..prodding..He is smiling and happy and healthy in the arms of his heavenly Father..Max's light will forever shine in my life..thank you for sharing him. Love, Linny
Dear Mikulak Family,
It is with a very heavy heart that I write this note, for Max was a hero (and always will be) of mine. I am very grateful that you have so openly shared his story and your lives with all of us. I can't imagine the grief you are feeling but please know that I wish you all peace and healing in the days ahead. Max will not be forgotten by any of us!
God's Blessings!
With condolences,
Karen, Kate (NB warrior) and the Jacobs family
Mikulak Family my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I was one of the lurkers but that never posted but followed daily to see how Max was doing.
I just wanted you to know Max impacted a lot of people I am one of them. Thanks for sharing his story so openly with all of us.
Kerry
No words just deep sorrow and tears. What a brave little man. Fly pain-free Max...
I'm so sorry. Max is a hero. Kids shouldn't have to be heros. We will all remember him.
Nancy
Andy, Melissa, Hannah and Nick,
We are so sorry for your loss.
May the love of our heavenly Father carry you,comfort you and give you peace. We commit to continue to pray for your precious family. It's the very best we have to offer. May God wrap his loving arms around you, may you feel His presence in a very real way. He loves you and wants to be the comforter and healer of your broken hearts.
With love,
Willie and Rosie
We are so very sorry to hear this news. God bless Max and your family. You have been an inspiration to us in fighting this awful disease.
Gavin, Wendy and Evan Lindberg
Germantown, MD
Melissa, Andy, Hannah & Nick,
We are so very saddened by Max's leaving but thank you for sharing that precious little boy with us.
Max fought the good fight along with you, his family. What an encouragement you have all been to so many.
Words seem so inadequate to help soften your loss and pain, only God can supply that in time.
You are, and will always be, tenderly in our thoughts and prayers.
With much love in Him,
Diane & Ernie Howarth
(Randee & Mike's fellow "home-groupers."
Andy and family - I'm so unbelievably sorry. I was hoping to meet Max in person finally next weekend. Thinking of all of you. -Jen
Another stranger who has followed your family's journey for a while now and am heartbroken to read this news. May you find comfort someday knowing that by opening your lives to so many of us, you have also opened so many hearts. I am forever changed, and will live my life differently having been touched by your entire family, especially Max. I wish you peace and strength in the minutes, days, weeks, and months ahead. -Amy (VA)
Dear Mikulak Family,
We are so saddened by the loss of your beautiful son. Max is truly a hero in everyone's eyes. Our prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
The Cheung Family
Andy, Melissa, Hannah and Nick,
We are so sorry to hear about Max and yet we are glad that he is no longer in pain and suffering from NB.
Of course there are no words to diminish the pain and the loss you now feel.
You all know what an inspriation you have been to people far and wide and how loved Max was by those who know him well and by those who have never met him.
In his short life he has changed many lives and now he is at peace.
We continue to pray for you as you find your way through the next few days and the years ahead.
With love and God's blessings,
Char and Al Love
Our hearts and prayers are with you. I realize that no words can help at this time, but we offer you our deepest and sincerest condolences.
You , and especially Max, are truly an inspiration to all.
We offer you heartfelt love at this time.
The Girnblat's
The only thing helping the heartache is knowing that Max will be pain free forever. He is truly our angel. I am so sad, and send you all my love. Hugs....Ms. Weitz
Our hearts are overflowing with sadness, not for Max because we know he is in heaven in the arms of God, but for your family and all those who's lives were touched by Max.
He is an inspiration beyong words and has made a difference in our world, more so than some people in an entire life time.
The will be a void in the world without this special little boy but know that heaven just gained one more angel.
Our prayers are with your family.
Marcina, Neil & Kendra
Andy and Melissa,
I am so so sad for you guys. I can't imagine how you must feel right now. It is good that Max is no longer suffering. But that is little solace when the whole thing seems so incredibly unfair.
We are thinking of you guys - we have been all weekend.
Amy
I am SO SO sorry! Wish i could be there and give you all a big hug. All my love from Italy. Silvia
We have never met, but Max's courage and your entire family's boundless love have touched and amazed me for many months. I can only imagine the grief you all must be feeling, but if any family has the love and strength to sustain one another as well as Max's memory, I have no doubt it is the Mikulaks.
Love,
Deborah (former neighbor of the Hutchisons)
Dear Mikulak family,
We are so saddened to hear the news this morning--you will be in our hearts and prayers! We were blessed to get to know Max this past year and he is a wonderful boy! We will always remember him and his precious smile!
Sincerely,
The West Family (Stephen, Jessica, Kristen and Gabriel)
Andy, Melissa, Hannah, and Nick -
Our hearts go out to you all in this very sad time. Max was a little boy that made a very big impact on many lives. His fight was not in vain, as many have come to know about the disease that took him away, and will continue to fight to find a cure. Although there is a huge whole in your hearts, please find comfort that Max no longer has pain and is now a healthy Angel who will watch over the four of you.
Denny and Diane Maley
My family and I have been praying for your family and your sweet Max ever since I stumbled upon your blog. I have no words to ease your pain but know that he has changed something inside of me forever. To quote another mom who lost her daughter to this same disease, "Cancer sucks"! God's speed, Max and many blessings and prayers to the family.
I am so very sorry for your loss. I have never met Max but I will always remember him. My thoughts and prayers are with your beautiful family.
Love,
Kim-
I "met" Max through Sam. I have followed his story with awe over his, and his family's - strength. I am completly heart broken over this news.
A child who leaves us so soon is like a butterfly-
Strong and brave against the wind
Life short and fleeting- yet beautiful
They come to rest in our hands and sit lightly on our shoulder.
As they fly to be free, they stay forever in our hearts.
Dear Mikulak Family,
My heart aches for you. I'm so very sorry. I'm amazed and in awe of how well you took care of Max. To see him smiling...even though he was such a sick little boy. It's a testament to the love and care you all enveloped him in. He goes from the cocoon of love and comfort you offered him here on earth to the eternal love and comfort provided by God. We will continue to pray for peace and solace for you all.
With deepest sympathy,
Karina
I am so sorry for your loss...I've been following Max for a while now, and our family has been praying for yours. He was clearly a special boy - from all you've written and the pictures, he just seemed so, so sweet. May your good memories comfort you...
Dear Family,
Please receive our love and symphaty. Our prayers and respect are with you all.
God Bless,
The Aguilars.
prayers from a friend of SuperRyan. May the Lord be with you this week as your prepart for Max's Celebration service.
Andy and Melissa - there are no words. We are still in that stage of not believing this can actually happen...with our thoughts and prayers.
www.caringbridge.org/visit/katiekrize
Love, Michele
andy and melissa,
we landed 1 hour ago from toby's make-a-wish trip. i've been thinking of max for days, and going crazy without internet access. i knew things were not good, but my heart is in my throat as i type, and the tears will not stop. dear, sweet boy. i am so sorry, wish i could give you all a hug. i send you love and wishes for strength.
xox,
mooki
toby's mom
I am so saddened to hear about your beautiful boy. His huge spirit will live on forever in the hearts of the many people he touched. I hope ou can find strength and comfort in knowing he is at peace.
Dear Andy, Melis, Hannah, Nic,
"The Spirit intercedes for us with sighs to deep for words to express".
I love you all and continue to pray for you.
Cousin Leanna
Dear Mikulaks,
We are so very sad and heartsick. God Bless you all in this time of grief. God Bless and and care for Max and all the Warriors and Angels.
With All Our Love,
Bill, Kathi, Kiki Larson
Max will be missed by people all over the world, what an impact one small boy has made on sooo many lives! Love and prayers to you as you learn to go on with him in your hearts now...he must be a beautiful angel and I am sure heaven is a brighter place now. Love,
Debbie & Connor
http://iwillliftmyeyesconnorkhoury.com/
I am so, so sorry for your loss. My heart hit the floor when I loaded this page tonight. I cannot even begin to comprehend your grief. I will continue to pray for your sweet boy, for you both and for your Hannah.
Praying for you in Iowa,
Shannon
I had not logged on here for a while, and I am speechless. Words cannot express our heavy hearts for your family, so I won't try here.
kevin
Sweet Dreams Max, Love, the Hansons
http://www.caringbridge.org/ma/seanhanson
Dear Mikulak Family,
There are no words to say but please know that I have been following you and your little boy since February, when my daughter Eva was diagnosed with NB. My heart aches for you but for me, Max will always be that adorable boy fighting Darth Vader. I do not know if I will ever forget that video of him. He looked so happy.
God bless you and your family,
Kristi Bernstein
You guys are in our prayers. Max and all of our children are such warriors and they amaze me with their strength. www.caringbridge.org/visit/marissamonroe
Tracy Monroe
Andy and Melissa,
I "met" Max through your blog, and although I never had the privilege of meeting your wonderful boy, I feel a great sense of loss tonight. I will deeply miss Max -- his sense of spirit, his love for Star Wars, his courage.
Thinking of you tonight.
Jen Draper
I logged on tonight (Mon) for the first time over this long weekend, did a few e-chores, and then switched over to check on Max...and just sat here saying, "Oh no."
I wish I could wrap all of you in the same big, soft, silvery, pain-proof quilt that I wish I could have wrapped Max in.
You filled his life not just with love but with Life, and he filled yours.
Together, he, you, and MagicWater have made the fight a little easier for other Warriors. And bit by bit, that's how the Big Battle will get won. When it is, Max and the other Angels will all be looking down, cheering madly, Jedi sabers in one hand and blue popsicles in the other.
xxoo
Val
As a newcomer to this blog, I'm deeply saddened that I won't get to read any new stories about your incredible Max. I can only begin to fathom the extent of your pain and heartache. Thank you for sharing your family--in its highest highs and lowest lows--with so many. Max is a true hero in every sense of the word.
--Kelley in Georgia
Max, I hope and pray the quick passing on sunday meant that you felt minimal to no pain as that is what you deserved. You fought so hard against this nasty beast and your spirit will forever live on in those who have had the blessing of knowing about your life. Love and miss you Max!
Mikulak family, you're all in my thoughts and prayers. I can't imagine the pain in your hearts but I hope your sweet boy sends you signs of comofort when he feels you need him most.
Max was so blessed to have your beautiful family to love and care for him. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing how many lives he touched. He was a special little boy. I shall think of him everytime I look at the stars and say a prayer for him and for your family. Peace.
East Coast Friend
I'm in tears. I have read about Max for over a year maybe even two (saw you on Maya's Mom)
I'm so sorry and you are all in my thoughts. I'm going to miss seeing his face. He was so strong and such an inspiration.
What to say? I am so sorry that Max died. I have followed his life through your blog and through the picture blog ... thank you for sharing. Take care.
Thinking of Max, thinking of you. Wishing there were words that could somehow ease your sorrow.
Dana
Mikulak family,
We are so, so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Max. He was courageous beyond words. May God bless you.
Tina, Tim, Nick, and Abby
Dear Max: My mommy just told me you went to heaven, and I hope you will have fun in heaven. I feel like a thunderstorm inside my heart so I had to cry. And I really missed you. I thought you were coming to school tomorrow, but you are in heaven now. And you will be my best friend forever. I will always talk to you if I have time because I know you can hear me.
Love, Stephanie
No one can say they know how you feel even if they have lost a child because they didn't lose Max. Thank you for letting us share in his life - I know through his legacy that a cure will be found - I'd like to think that Max is flying his beloved planes in heaven - no limitations (age limit? Heck no!) and no pain. I will be thinking and praying for you as you continue this journey - not absent, just apart - until you meet again..."what a wonderful day that will be!"
L in Alaska
i only met your darling boy very briefly when deb photographed him at school, but he has touched my life forever. And I know he has touched the life of countless others.
Sorry doesn't begin to cut it today...My thoughts are with you all.
xoxo
peta
Dear Mikulak family -
We logged on tonight and was shocked by the suddenness of the news of sweet Max.
We are so sad, deeply sad, and our hearts are so heavy. We only met Max that one day several months ago at the beach near Powerhouse Park but he has touched us forever with his spirit, exuberance and his zest for life. It is this snapshot of him running around the beach that we will remember forever.
I know no words can comfort you in your loss right now, but please know that we are thinking of you, thinking of Max and wishing him pain-free, happy days in heaven.
Much love,
The Riggins Family
Clarissa, Dave, Hannah, Luke
Max was truly a gift to all of us. He will be missed and thought of everyday. What a precious Angel.
Andy, Melis, Hannah and Nic...we are here for you every step of the healing path. Love you all.
The Boyds
Dear Mikulak family,
We are so very sorry. Our prayers will continue for you all. . . as will our very fervent desire to live life to the Max, given your family's incredible example.
Marg Stark, Duke, Patrick and Liam Clark
I am so very sorry to hear about Max. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I have been following Max's life story for just a year now, but he has touched my heart so deeply. He became a regular part of my day and a person who was always on my mind and in my prayers. I never had the wonderful opportunity to meet Max, but my heart feels so broken. I found myself in tears throughout the day yesterday after finding out that his wonderful spirit had moved on. While there are no words that can take away your pain, I hope it does help knowing that your amazing little man touched hearts and lives all over the world, and he will live on through so many people. Furthermore, it was so apparent how VERY loved and cherished he was. As parents you did the most incredible job raising him and teaching him to live his life to the Max. Thank you so much for sharing his journey. I am forever changed.
Rebecca (friend of Will Lacey)
We have never met but I have been following the progress and life of Max and your family. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure there's a huge hole in your life now but will be filled with many wonderful memories. My daughter, Katie, went to school with Alaina Kalb and participated in her recycling drive a couple years ago. Since then I have been following and praying for Max and many of his NB friends. My prayers are for all of you now. Max is in a good place and is feeling well and playing like a child should.
Heidy
i am happy that Max is healed and complete, but so sad that he had to leave at all. i pray that somehow God will grant you a grieving that is honoring to Max. you have been wonderful parents and family to him, and i know that will never change. i wish you a peace that seems impossible but is promised in scripture, so i know it is possible. prayers of many strangers are with you all. i am so very sorry for the loss of your beautiful Max. mary horne
Andy, Melissa, Hannah & Nick...
My heart broke for you when I read yesterday's update. 7 years is such a short life, yet he brought an immeasurable amount of love, joy & special memories to your family...he was such a blessing and so fortunate to have you as his very own family. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
love,
Tifani
{{{{{{{{{{{{Max}}}}}}}}}}}]]Watch over your family...they are hurting now, you know how much they loved and cherished you. You touched so many little man! Rest now. Everybody loves you and feels your loss. I really hate it that families have to go thru this. I know not your pain but It is a wolf at all of our doors. We have to do all that we can to help stop this monster!
The one lesson my family and I have learned from watching Max and your family is to embrace every moment and live life to the Max, always. Those moments are all we have. So, thank you, Max, for leaving that legacy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Max will be deeply missed but his legacy lives on in our hearts.
Oh, there are so many thoughts, and just no adequate words. I've followed Max's life online for months, though I've never met any of you. I am so sad and angry and relieved (that his suffering is over) and shocked (how could the end have come so quickly?), somehow joyous (that he was here at all) and just utterly unable to comprehend what this ineffable loss will mean to you, his family. I hope are able to take comfort in the knowledge that you loved and cared for and advocated for him so amazingly well. I hope the gifts he brought to your life will shine through in even your darkest hours and days. I hope you find peace in knowing that this little boys life touched so many, so deeply. My thoughts and prayers are will you. Lauren
Sorry to here this, Our thoughts and prayer's are with you!!!
Love the Gunty Family
Andy
Thanks for sharing the Video. Thanks to you all for sharing such a beautiful Boy with us.
Max is my Hero!!!!!!!!
Leo
I am so very sorry to read of the loss of your wonderful son, Max. His story touched so many people and will live on in so many minds and hearts as an example of courage.
My daughter Laura also died from neuroblastoma. We had just come to understand she was dying, and she passed away more quickly than any of the doctors expected.
with deepest sympathy
Mara Stiles
mother of neuroblastoma angel Laura (1994-2006)
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/laurastiles
Tears. I am praying for your family.
~Molly
Dear Melissa and Andy,
I am unspeakably sorry for your loss. We have met only briefly, while my daughter Natalie attended Ms. Sturt's first grade class with Max before we moved. I remember him as a sweet, sensitive, polite and smart little boy, who will be missed in this world. My heart goes out to you, as well as to your daughter and other son. Please accept our family's deepest condolences.
Dragana, Jason, Natalie and Max Laky
My heart is broken. I don't know what to say but Max will never be forgotten
just found your page last week. I am sooo sorry for your loss. Praying for you....Wendy
Sweet ^^Max^^ your beautiful legacy lives on in the world you leave behind. You were created in love and will continue to magnify that love by leaps and bounds.
I am very familiar with many of the Warriors and Angels on your blog spot, thank you much for including them. You are one special ^^Angel^^ little friend.
"Some people makde the world special just by being in it." -- Anonymous
Let your little light shine, ^^Max^^
We are so very saddened and our hearts go out to your family. What a beautiful and brave boy Max was. His smile will live on forever.
Know that Max and his story have touched our lives in immeasurable ways. We wish you all peace.
for every comment here wishing condolences and hoping for some way to ease the passage of time, there are a hundred more of us silently offering support and love.
there are more than you know. don't forget that.
Melissa & Andy,
No one should have to suffer the loss of a child. You've gone through so much. You are such a wonderful family. May your memories of Max and the amazing boy that he was bring you some comfort. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Laura and Andy Bermudez
Andy and Melissa,
We last saw Max before his cancer and will always remember him that way, laughing and playing in the yard with his sister. No one should have to endure what your family has, I hope there is peace in your future.
Our hearts are always with you.
Unimaginable…… We are sending our love and thoughts to you.
Locke Family
Just wanted to let you know that we're thinking of Max. I think probably every family at Solana Highlands is. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope he's found the other Jedi Knights in heaven, and is all smiles and laughter with no pain.
Bartlett family
Dear Mikulak family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We will all miss Max tremendously, especially his everlasting smile.
You have definitely done everything possible to give him a life that was complete and full of love, joy and laughter. I hope that you will find comfort and strength during these difficult times in the memories of his life with you.
Our prayers are with you,
Brent Peluso and his family
Max's beautiful life touched so many people. Thank you for sharing it with us all.
Love,
Lisa Ferguson
I wanted to write again and tell that my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you...
I also wanted to tell you that I am competing in a triathlon on September 13th... Childhood Cancer Awareness Day... and I will most certainly be carrying Max's memory with me. Your son touched so many lives, including those of us that didn't know you personally. Thank you for sharing him and yourselves with us.
Breanne
Dear Mikulak Family...
I have never met you or sweet Max but I feel like I know you. I have been following Max's story for several months. His life and the way he (and all of you) lived it touched my heart. Praying for you during this time.
Praying, Lisa
As I read through Max's blog it is absolutely heart wrenching to say the least, but as I kept reading I was absolutely amazed to see comment after comment about how Max touched people's lives. It is clear that Max's life here on earth will continue to live on in the lives of the people he touched and everyone who shares the story of Max's journey.
I can’t begin to imagine the pain you are dealing with now and know that no words can dull the pain. Just know that Max is in Heaven right now, pain free, running with the Lord. Melissa and Andy, the strength and compassion you both have had through this difficult journey is an inspiration to us all. I will continue to pray for you all and may the Lord comfort you.
Jarod
May the force be with you little Max... and your sweet family
Like many others writing to you... I have never met Max. I came upon your blog several months ago through Ed Noble's blog. To say I feel sad is an understatement. There is something about Max.... I keep going back over previous years of his story.... looking at his sweet pictures.
He made many who did not even know him fall in love with him, pray for him, laugh for him and cry for him. I will remember Max always. After reading about his passing, I could not help but hold and hug my children all day. Thank you Max.
I'm so so sorry that Max lost his battle, but so glad that he was able to have such wonderful parents and siblings. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and though I didn't know Max, the glimpses we got through the blog made me love him. I'm so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Max.
The Mikulak's in Austin and Atlanta have you in our thoughts and prayers. My brother Gregg would have wanted you all to know how Max touched us. Jim Mikulak
I had a dream...my daughter so beautiful, innocent and sweet looked up at me and said, "Mommy, what is cancer?" and I looked at her with a knowing,grateful smile and I said, "It was a terrible disease people use to get along time ago..but it's gone now..forever".
Dream can come true..can't they?
Please except my families deepest sympathy
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