Dylan passed away on July 5th. I found out early in the morning of July 6th – just before I had to go to my old house and clean. I just walked around in a daze. I knew that it was going to happen but nothing prepares you for the death of a child. Nothing. So, I scrubbed floors and toilets and just cried. For the past three weeks, I keep telling myself that I should blog about it. But, I have not been able to make myself type the words.

My sweet son, bless his heart….reminded me that the good news was that Dylan was with Jesus. Yes, that is good news. It’s still hard for those of us who are left wondering why these things happen.

Here is Heide’s post on CaringBridge, as well as a copy of the obituary.

4 days short of 18 months of fighting AML leukemia without any remission, our son Dylan passed away yesterday July 5th at 2:15 PM. His body could not keep up with his will to live and gave in. We are having faith in God that he is with his Mimi (Scott’s Mom) eating meatballs and watching game shows and fooling around with my Grandpa. I pray that these very important people in our lives care for our FOREVER 8 yr old until Scott and I are given the chance to be reunited with him. The important things we are focusing on are that Dylan is now healthy in heaven, he passed quickly, out of pain, and that while he was on earth we did everything to heal him that we could, but more importantly we did everything we could to make him happy! As expected, we are not ok. Our three little boys (6 yrs old and 4 1/2yrs old) are not ok. We knew it would be hard but we were not expecting how hard. There are periods of crying in our house. I won’t lie about it- this is painful but as always…we will PUSH the FROG and take all the memories, love and lessons that Dylan has taught us and move forward. He was such an amazing boy!

Mayo, Dylan Scott CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. Dylan Scott Mayo, 8, son of Scott and Heide Mayo of Clifton Park passed away on July 5, 2008 after a long 18 month battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was an amazing, courageous boy with a will to live that out lived his body. He was always smiling and reassuring people he was fine. He loved Pokemon and spending time with his family and friends. Dylan was well loved throughout his community and beyond. He would have been a 4th grader at Okte Elementary School this fall. He will always be loved and never be forgotten. Besides his parents, Dylan is survived by his three younger brothers, Jacob, Devin, and Justin; along with his paternal grandfather, Michael Mayo; his maternal grandparents, Earl and Barbara Kehoe; his maternal great-grandmother, Helen Stock; and many, many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his paternal grandmother, Gail Mayo who met him at Heaven’s gate. The viewing will be on Tuesday, July 8 from 4-8 p.m. at Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home in Clifton Park. All are invited to celebrate Dylan’s life with us. Burial will be private on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Catie Hoch Foundation. This foundation was a huge help and wealth of information for our family during our last 18 months. Please send donations to: Catie Hoch Foundation, 27 Southwood Drive, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.