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Lessons In Life

April 17, 2006

Her name is Brooke Clemons. Her smile instantly put one on everyone around her.
I think her Priest had it right at her funeral, there was something so precious about that toothless grin. There was something about this little girl that would teach me great lessons about life, death and family.

We met the Clemons Family through St. Matthews Baseball. Last summer we became even closer when our sons were on the same All-Star Team. All of the families on the team spend many a night together at the ballpark and hotels, it was my inner look at a family that had been to hell and back. Looking at Brooke swimming in the pool with all the players, you would never know that the 7-year old endured such a fierce battle with cancer. The only hint was a scar on her chest.

Brooke relished being another kid in the pool, not the child who was waging war against cancer. Her parents took all our questions in stride, talking openly about their game plan in their ongoing battle. Bryan and Stephanie are athletes, former basketball players at Bellarmine, endurance and fighting back are things they learned long ago. They would need endurance in this fight, they would also need their faith. They lived day to day, month to month, waiting to get word that Brooke's scans were clear. We all knew when the scans were going to happen, we all knew and cheered when they came back clear.

We all marveled at the family's strength, their ability to change their lives at a moment's notice to accomodate another hospital visit or even another ballgame.
They not only focused on Brooke, but juggled the active lives of their three other children.

If there were dark moments, and I'm sure there were, we never saw them. Even at Brooke's funeral I couldn't believe Bryan and Stephanie's strength as they spoke before the congregation. We heard the story of how Brooke, before her last surgery, was the first in the car ready to get it over over with so she could go back to school. The Priest wondered if Brooke knew it was time, her time to be an angel in heaven. The Clemons Family has requested donations be made in Brooke's honor to the Children's Hospital Foundation at Kosair. The family raised 60-thousand dollars last year for the Foundation with Brooke's 18 Holes for Hope.

And hope is perhaps the lasting legacy for me with Brooke. The hope she had and inspired with that precious toothless grin. A young girl who had to feel the love of a
family, the entire Clemons Clan who never gave up hope.

Posted by rachel.platt at April 17, 2006 04:06 PM

Comments

Rachel,
What a beautiful tribute. I didn't know the Clemons family, but have followed Brooke's journey through her Caringbridge website, where I know two other precious children battling cancer. I met you years ago when our children took gymnastics together. I always enjoyed our conversations and knew what a nice, down-to-earth person you are. Thanks for writing something for all to enjoy.
Julie

Posted by: Julie at April 19, 2006 06:36 PM

I had the awesome privilege to be Brooke's kindergarten teacher while she was at home unable to attend Holy Trinity School. She and I shared many jokes, books, and learned a little along the way. I was immediately endeared to Brooke, and ultimately to her entire family. You are so right, Rachel....the Clemons family is amazing!! We can all learn a lot from them. Brooke taught us all a lot...we owe it to her to never give up 'hope'. Hope that someday that ugly disease called cancer will forever be eradicated!!

Posted by: Bev Leslie at April 19, 2006 08:35 PM

Excellant story Rachel. My wife and I miss you in the mornings, but catch you when we can. You are one heck of a reporter/anchor. Take care, and God bless...

Posted by: DAN at April 19, 2006 09:28 PM

Dear Rachel, Thank you for this lovely piece about Brooke. You have really relayed the special qualities of Brooke and her wonderful family. We live next door and feel their grief but are also touched by their great faith and strength throughout these 27 months. It is a great blessing to have enjoyed Brooke and to be inspired by her short life and also by her wonderful loving family. Thank you and God Bless, Carol O'Koon

Posted by: Carol O'Koon at April 19, 2006 11:25 PM

Brooke and her family have touched me deeply and have demonstrated how love and faith can guide one through illness, death and the wonderful FUTURE ahead for all of us.

Posted by: Darlene at April 19, 2006 11:41 PM

Thank you for that beautiful story.

Posted by: Martha at April 20, 2006 09:51 AM

I think that this is a very beautiful story about Brooke. She was a very close friend to me and I agree with so much that you are saying. Thank you for the tribute to Brooke, now I get to hear her voice any time I want.

Posted by: Carmen Merrifield at April 20, 2006 12:09 PM

You have to understand that ALL families that are forced into a situation with a sick child are STRONG people.
You have to be strong for your sanity. If you let it overtake your emotions, you will go insane. Families of cancer take it hour by hour, day by day. The Hope for a cure for your sick child is what empowers you.

Posted by: A Strong Mom of another Cancer Kid at April 20, 2006 03:08 PM

Thanks Rachel. My name is Peggy Karman and I had the great honor of singing Brooke's service. I was just checking her Caring Bridge site and saw the link.

How kind of you to share her story. I too, stood in awe at the example of Bryan and Stephanie and the strength of their faith.

Peggy Karman

Posted by: Peggy Karman at April 20, 2006 03:48 PM

what a beautiful way of putting into words the meaning of a family of faith and love, and that is the Clemons Family, I hope if ever I am tested I would have this kind of faith, I am not sure, I would hope so, what wonderful Christians. we love them.

Posted by: brenda froelich at April 20, 2006 08:52 PM

I learned of Brooke from the online support group for all kids with Wilms. There is something captivating about her smile and face, something endearing and full of hope. That is what Brooke continues to give...hope

Posted by: Elizabeth Benjamin at April 21, 2006 05:34 PM

Beautiful words to honor a beautiful life.

As the mother of a 5 year old son still fighting Wilms Tumor, the death of one of these warriors raises my worst fears. I only hope that I can continue this journey in the same manner as Brooke's incredible family.

Thank you for writing this!

Sincerely,
Rene' Losurdo

Mommy to Christian-5 (dx: 12/21/05 Wilms Tumor Stage III), Devin-3 and Brendan-4 months

www.caringbridge.org/visit/christianlosurdo

Posted by: Rene' Losurdo at April 21, 2006 07:42 PM

Ms. Platt,

Thank you for you tribute to Brooke. My wife and I were also at the memorial service for Brooke and continue to marvel at the strength of the Clemons family. My wife and Bryan work together and their battle these past two years have been a constant discussion in our house. Mostly, the way in which they have dealt with it. All of the Clemons family-- especially Brooke-- have been an inspiration to us.

Thank you so much for this tribute. In an era when the news media is scrutinized for only bringing the public "bad" news, it is refreshing to see a truly newsworthy and uplifting story.

Rob, Stacey and Noah Ellis

Posted by: Rob Ellis at April 21, 2006 07:59 PM

Thank you, Rachel, for the heartfelt tribute to a heroic young girl and her family. I am an RN at Kosair Childrens' Hospital and witness firsthand the incredible strength, steadfast hope and profound love demonstrated by all the parents of our children with life-threatening illnesses. They handle their fears and sufferings with such grace, that one cannot remain untouched by their exemplary courage, trust and faith.

Posted by: Miriam at April 25, 2006 11:59 PM

Reading this wonderful tribute to Brooke and her family was therapeutic. As a parent of a nine year old who had a liver transplant and then battled cancer, I am so inspired by the Clemons family. Their love, commitment and faith are truly admired by those who know them. Thanks for the great "Lessons in Life", Bryan and Stephanie. And thank you, Rachel, for sharing their story, allowing those who didn't know Brooke to be touched by an angel.
Julie Okruhlica

Posted by: Julie Okruhlica at April 26, 2006 11:59 AM

Rachel,
What an tribute. Though from Michigan, we knew/knew of Brooke. You see, my in-laws know the Clemons family through their church in Kentucky. We finally met this wonderful family last August at Give Kids the World in Florida (my son is battling Leukemia). They always had a smile on their face.
May we all face our challenges the way Brooke did ... with a smile.

Posted by: Dave Rider at April 26, 2006 05:52 PM

what a beautiful story.
i am a 12 year old girl with luekemia, and would like to share that this is exactly what sh ewas like

Posted by: Hannah at May 26, 2007 09:33 AM

Lessons In Life

April 17, 2006

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