Kaelan Madison Obituary

To The Madisons,

We just want to say how sorry we are for you for your loss of such a beautiful and loving little boy. We live across the street from the Wolf's and watched Kaelan play with Henry. I remember Christine making costumes for the boys, and they were both so excited. Kaelan ran right up to me and told me who he was & was so proud of himself. Your son touched so many lives.

We're thinking of you.

Love,

Trish & Tim Harwood

Dear Madisons,

I followed Kaelan's story over many months through emails from my friend, Christine Wolf. I am so very sorry for your loss. Christine described a loving, sweet boy who had a twinkle and special spark. May happier memories be your comfort. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Devon and Dave,

Kaelan was a such a big part of Jessica's life. After we moved to Memphis a year ago, most of her memories of Chicago were about Kaelan. He made such an impact on her. Her most vivid memory was of him throwing himself onto the bed on the Orange room at Cherry, over and over again, because it made her laugh. She told her friends here about her "boyfriend" who was sick in chicago, and she would get so upset when adults giggled at the word "boyfriend". "He really was,"she would say with a straight face and great determination. "We held hands." We decided to move back to Chicago this summer and will be there in one week. We are so sorry to miss Kaelan's memorial. Jessica so much wanted to attend his funeral and be a part of it. We will see you when we get back. She wants you to know how much she loved Kaelan, as do we.

Much love,

Heather, Ross and Jessica Ampel

Madisons,

The Celebration of Life at St. A's was so touching. Every memory that people shared I could think back to a similar situation that I had experienced with Kaelan. I never like to say that I have favorite children that I spend time with, but there are children that I connect with better that leave such amazing imprints on my heart and mind. Kaelan did more than that. He made me look at things in a whole new light. With Kaelan around things seemed brighter more alive than ever. The time I spent with him were some of my fondest. Watching Kaelan and Henry play together was especially a treat I wanted to share with all my friends. The love between those two was something truly incredible. Most of the time I wanted to just sit back and laugh and admire the way they were together, but the best times were when they let me play with them. And, at the end of the day, Kaelan left me with a huge hug and a little reminder," you know, you're really beautiful." He could charm the candy out of any babysitters pocket. Thank you for allowing me to have such an amazing gift in my life.

Love Always,

Tif Primus

Dear Madison Family,

We never knew Kaelan, but we followed his progress through our friends the Wolfs. We cannot imagine your grief, but we know of the joy and light he brought to all the lives he touched. His strength and will through everything touched our hearts. Our thoughts and preyers are with your family.

Dear Madison Family,

We feel so very fortunate to have known dear Kaelan, and to have him as

a friend in the Orange Room at Cherry Preschool last year. I remember

the day I came to school to teach the children how to make snowflakes

out of paper, as part of our Christmas tradition. Kaelan told me the next

time he saw me that he "had it down!" and wanted to show me. He was

so proud and he DID make a fabulous snowflake! We will

always remember him when we share this tradition. His delightful

personality and warm smile will be forever in our hearts. Ana prays for

him, and for your entire family every night. I told Ana that he will get to see

the snowflakes before us now. She thinks he is making them.

God Bless You."

Dear Madisons,



Every story we've heard about Kaelan's love, courage, energy and passion brings a smile to our faces. What an extraordinary little boy. Devon, he is definitely flying through heaven with Uncle Nick, smiling down on all of you!

We were in the parent/child class with Kaelan at Cherry four years ago and most of my memories of that class have faded. The only image that stands out clearly is that of Kaelan bouncing, jumping, smiling and playing to his heart's content. He exuded a zest for life that was contagious. It is wonderful how you let Kaelan share what was so special about him with so many others these past few years. I offer my deepest sympathy through this difficult time.



Jean Fies and Family

Dear Madisons,

We are all just so sad. What a joyful child! I have such wonderful memories of Kaelan astride a jet ski with Alex at Chuck E. Cheese and of him, with Jonas and Curran in tow, rolling down the hill over and over again at Penny Park, all covered in dirt and grass. What remarkable parents you have been to let him live so normally, so fully and happily. We have enjoyed tremendously our playdates with your children and marvel at their sweetness. I know Kaelan's sweet, caring and fun-loving spirit lives on in Jonas and Curran. We will remember and think of this wonderful child always.

Kim Yee, Eric Haab and family

Madisons -

I remember seeing Kaelan on the news at the Evanston fire house. I was amazed by how that little boy on TV obviously touched everyone there. I wish I could have been lucky enough to meet him. I admire your ability to give Kaelan a normal life in a great family.



- Zak Jacobson

Dave,



I wish there were words for moments like these, but if there are, I don't know them.



I am so very, very sorry for your loss. I hope that the memories of the beautiful love that you and your family shared with your son while he was living will bring you some peace.

Dear Devon and Dave:



Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. We know that Kaelen's love for life and his carefree spirit will live on in the lives of the many people he touched. Gavin and I feel so fortunate to count ourselves as part of this group.

From the first time I met Kaelan when he was barely two until the last hug I got on his way out of Cherry Preschool this past June, I was dazzled by his amazing personality. He was a sparkling conversationalist who entertained, listened and made you feel uniquely special as he shared his inner most thoughts...the silly antics of his younger brothers, the pros and cons of various career choices, a joke delivered with impecable timing, a sensitve and empathic observation about a friend in need. He was simply one of the brightest lights this world has known and I know he will continue to shine down on us from heaven. I feel blessed to have known him. My deepest sympathies to his wonderful family. He loved them so.

I'm very sorry to hear about Kaelan's passing. I've followed his progress through our friends the Wolfs and have prayed for your son, as have my friends here in North Carolina. I hope you find solace in your faith and in the knowledge that your son was a ray of light in this world and will be a light in heaven as well. AS a mother of 3, I cannot imagine your grief, but I am sure in the knowledge of a smiling Kaelan awaiting you in his mansion in heaven. I will continue to pray for your family as you mourn your most precious son.

Dear Madison Family,



We will always have such fun memories of Kaelan in the parent/child class and orange room with Nicholas. I'll never forget him zipping around the rose room like a rocket with so much energy and spunk. We are all so lucky to have known him. Our hearts and prayers are with you and your family.

Dear David and Devon, I want you to know that we are praying for you during this difficult time. All of our love, Karin, Stuart, Charlie and Maggie

I hope you can find some solace in knowing the many lives Kaelan touched during his short six years. While we did not have the good fortune of knowing him, we know many at Cherry who did. His zest for life, bravery, and enduring spirit serve as an inspiration for us all and will be his legacy. Kaelan will not be forgotten.

Dear Madisons,

It was a pleasure to work with Kaelan for 3 years.He was a pride and joy.I'll miss Kaelan inviting me to his lake house for the weekend.He will truly be missed.

Devon and David, although we never had the privilege of meeting Kaelan, we learned of his strong spirit, your loving care of him and your braveness through Christine and Michael Wolf over the past few years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children, as well as with Kaelan as he is welcomed by God and begins his new life.

Dear Devon and David,

As Henry and Maggie's aunt, I had the privilege of knowing Kaelan when he was at his silliest. I have a wonderful memory of dancing with him at a birthday party to Pink, and he knew (and sang) all the words! I also treasure the story of Kaelan helping a little boy who was trapped on top of a slide, climbing up and riding down with him, announcing to the crowd "you can count on me!" Your little boy touched so many lives, including mine, and I am changed forever. I send my thoughts and prayers to you and your boys.

Dear David and Devon,



While I never had the pleasure of meeting Kaelen, I felt like I got to know him through the stories from Chrissy. I know the Wolf family, especially Henry, will miss him very much, along with so many others.



I'm sure Kaelen will continue to have an impact in ways we may never know.



Sincerely,

Dawn

My heart goes out to the family of Kaelan David Madison. I never met Kaelan ("Batman") Madison, but having seen his photo and read his story in the Chicago Tribune, I know he was a great boy and an inspiration to everyone who knew him. With the help of his family and friends, he lived a full life in his short time on Earth. Most important, he gave and received love. As you cry and laugh through your memories of Kaelan, his brave young spirit will remain with you always. He has given all of us a reason to treasure the simple--yet extraordinary--joys of everyday life and love.

Dear Madison Family-We have never met, but our friend Chrissy shared with us a glimpse of your strength as parents and the joy of your children. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. The Kane Family.

My son Ben was in the Orange Room at Cherry Preschool with Kaelen 3 years ago. Both during that time and since, we have watched how this amazing child embraced life and the world around him despite the adversities he faced. His strength and that of his family has been an inspiration to us and to so many others who know his story. I've heard it is not the quantity of life but the quality that matters - and I believe this applies to his short but meaningful time.

Dear Madison family,

We are long time friends of the Wolf family and therefore, have shared your journey with Kaelen from a distance. My son, Brandon, has been praying for Kaelen during these many months. He felt it was so important because he knew what a special person he must have been to be friends with his buddy Henry.

In July, we all so enjoyed meeting your two beautiful twins on our day at the farm with the Wolf's. Those pictures bring fond memories to us, as we hope they bring smiles to you too.

It is hard to find words to express loss. Truly, there are no words that can even begin to define what you must be feeling. But what a gift you were given these last 6 years. In Henry's words, Kaelen was quite an amazing little man. His smile beamed in every picture we saw. His will to live was remarkable ~ and that, in and of itself, tells the story of a wonderful family that is filled with love. I know Kaelen will be missed...but there will be days that you will still hear his laughter and see his spirit in the wink of your Jonas or Curren's eyes. You will feel him in ways that only a true angel can touch you. Believe me. Those who knew him are lucky in more ways than words will ever tell...he will now be a guardian angel to so many.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you travel in this new journey.

All of our love and prayers...

Kathy

Dear Devon & David.



Kaelan's photo has been on our refrigerator for years. Sometimes in the form of a curly-haired bespectacled imp, sometimes doing his "happy dance", once even as an Evanston policeman (although his name was mispelled), occasionally costumed, but I can't remember once in the past few years when our kitchen wasn't somehow adorned with something "Kaelan". We were often regaled with stories "Kaelan" at dinner time. My wife was so impressed with the beauty of his mature soul in his immature and ailing body. We heard stories about his concern for other children in the classroom, about his jokes, about his battles with headaches, but unwillingness to leave school, about the way his face would light up when he came to school, his being made an honorary Evanston policeman. My wife revelled in his triumphs (as did many), and suffered with his setbacks, and we as a family were along for the ride. We were Kaelan fans by osmosis. We came to know, love and admire him (and his family) for his courage, his child-like wisdom, his heart, and his love of family and friends... why he was the scarecrow, lion, tin man and Dorothy all rolled into one. I feel fortunate to have known him, and to have had his impact in our lives. Our thoughts are with you, and we grieve with you over your loss. The Cherry preschool extended family is there for you. My deepest sympathies.

(Amy May's husband)

Dear Madisons --



What a wonderful time we had getting to know Kaelan last year. His spirit and zest for life was amazing. Mason says Kaelan is a red power-ranger angel now. Thank you for sharing your special boy with us. Love, the Kirkpatricks

Dear David and Devon, It was a privilege, and an honor to be Kaelan's teacher, I feel as though I learned so much from him over the last three years. He was a strong, brave, and caring boy with empathy for others that rose up from his toes.

Kaelan was so full of spirit and life, and his presence would light up a room. I will never forget the way he would enter the class with a loud "Im here now" at which point the rest of the class would cheer. Everyone wanted to be Kaelan's friend, and in turn Kaelan was a good caring friend to all his classmates. He touched so many peoples lives. He was truely a joy and a delight to be around he has found a place in my heart and I will never forget him.

My sister, Shanna Randolph, kept me and my family continually updated on your lives and Kaelan's struggle with his disease so we could pray for him and you. We now pray that you will find strength, peace, and courage to face your unimaginable pain and loss. May you feel His presence and blessings. Patty and Dave Usher and family.

Dear Devon and David,

Our hearts are broken. But, I feel so blessed to have been able to get to know Kaelan through H and J. He is the definition of "remarkable". I cherish the conversations we had on the way to and from Karate class and watching Kaelan enjoy himself. H and J were very protective of Kaelan and consider him their "triplet brother." We will all miss him, and he will be in all our hearts forever. Yours,

Francine Allen and Family

Dear Devon and Madisons, Our paths have crossed sporadically over the past several years. First at St. Mark's playgroup when Kaelan was a very energetic toddler. Then I saw you at the park pregnant with twins, then on and off at Cherry preschool riding herd on the Madison boys, and most recently, at Noyes St. park pushing Kaelan in the stroller. I have thought of your family and prayed for you often and will continue to do so.



Sincerely,



Kate Lauderbaugh (and Gregg, Garrett and Jamie)

Dear Devon, David, Curran, & Jonas,

Knowing Kaelan was a gift. He embodied all we try to teach children at Cherry Preschool. He was such a kind and empathic child who truly understood the principle of including others. He was also a joy to have at school. His jokes, energy, and hugs will be missed by all of us.

Love,

Laurie

Dear Madisons,

Our son Jesse was privileged to have been Kaelan's classmate last year in the Orange Room. We enjoyed knowing him and having him in our lives for such a short but special time. We are grieving with you and sending you all of our love and prayers. He was such a joy to know and we feel so lucky to have shared the short time we did with him. Our thoughts are with you,

Dear Madisons,



We've witnessed you celebrate Kaelan's life for the last four years, rather than mourn his inevitable loss. How blessed he was to have you. He was the happiest child we have ever met, the kind of boy who'd make us laugh so hard our toes curled and our bellies ached. He breathed life into everyone he met, and we miss him so much. You made his life so special by treating him so normal. He will never, ever be forgotten.

My thoughts are with you all....

David,



My sympathy and prayers are with you and your family.



Robin

Dear Madison Family, We never spoke, but I knew you from the 4th floor clinic; we each sat with our children through hours of treatment, hope, and misery, and I was always amazed at your poise and competence as you managed the medical and emotional lives of your boys. Kaelan stood out as a happy, loved brother and son. He was lucky to have you.

I know your suffering, as my own daughter Carolyn died this summer from this monstrous disease; please know that we hold you in our prayers as so many have done for us--it's truly the only thing that has gotten us this far.

God bless you,

Marybeth O'Mara

Devon, I am so sorry about your little Kaelan, I am thinking of you. I am praying for strength for your family during this difficult time.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Kaelen will live in my heart forever.

My friends...Kaelan touched my heart in such amazing ways. He brought a light to this world that could never be duplicated. I'm honored to have known him. His strength was a lesson to us all. My love and prayers are with you. Gretchen