Remembering Avi

Today is the 18th anniversary of the death of my dear sweet son, Avi. He would have been 23 years-old on July 7. But I will always remember him as the adorable five-year-old who was taken from us at such a tender age.

Avi was our firstborn son, and from the moment he came into this world, his life was wrought with challenges. He had seventeen surgeries in five short years, and ultimately succumbed to an excruciatingly painful brain tumor. But I don't want to focus on his pain and trials in life. Because that is not what defined Avi. My precious son inspired me and all those whose lives he touched. 

I can still hear Avi's contagious laughter. Every six weeks or so, my dad made the four hour trek from Baltimore to Katonah, New York to visit us. Dad had a special connection to Avi, and he brought with him the gift of being able to make Avi laugh out loud. When we taped "Weinerville", our children's show on Nickelodeon, we inserted a recording of Avi's laughter after the credits rolled. What a delicious sound!

Avi taught me to be brave. He stoically went from surgery to surgery. And while recovering and in great pain, he could still manage to smile and even laugh out loud. 

Avi taught me to appreciate. How many of us take for granted that we will be able to eat and void with ease? Birth defects affected all of Avi's natural bodily functions. I learned not to take these and many other blessings for granted.

Avi taught me to be sensitive to people born with challenges. While I have always considered myself to be a fairly sensitive person, having a child with physical challenges opened my eyes to a whole world of people suffering in this world. In particular, I am now a member of the "Mothers who lost a child" club, and can offer support and empathy to families who have suffered a similar loss. 

And most importantly, Avi taught me how precious life is. In my humble opinion, I consider his short life to have been very full and well-lived. He laughed out loud and often, he played and sang with glee, he loved with his full heart, and he kissed and hugged with great gusto. How many of us can say the same?

So, in memory of Avi, my little man, I ask that you please take one step today to live your life just a little fuller, more inspired, more grateful. Tell someone that you love them and hug a little longer. I know I will.